.Tokyo: No local address required to register a domain name – LandRush starts on June 9

GMO Internet Group company, GMO Registry, Inc. today announced the opening of new geographic top-level domain (GeoTLD), .tokyo, one of the first new domains to represent a truly global city. During the first phase of the launch, application is open exclusively to trademark holders. After that, Internet users all over the world will have the opportunity to register some of the first .tokyo domain names beginning June 9.

Tokyo is the capital of Japan and one of the world’s largest urban populations, known for innovation in technology, luxury shopping, and world-class cuisine. From kabuki to anime, the city is a hub for both traditional and modern Japanese arts, it is home to the largest number of cultural assets in Japan, and has the most Michelin star restaurants of any city in the world.

.tokyo is a domain that will represent and promote the City of Tokyo; it will provide a platform to effectively deliver city information to Internet users both locally and globally. For the first time, citizens, businesses and community groups in Tokyo will be able to choose a domain that directly links their online identity to the city.

No local address is required to register a domain name. .tokyo is available to any business or individual who wants to link their online identity to Japan’s largest city. This is in line with the core aim of the TLD to promote Tokyo as a city through broad participation and recognition.

Speaking at the official launch of .tokyo at the Park Hyatt hotel in Shinjuku, Tokyo today, Governor of Tokyo, Yoichi Masuzoe said, “Today marks the launch of .tokyo, the first new geographic domain representing a Japanese prefecture. Six years from now the Olympic Games and the Paralympic Games will be held in Tokyo. I look forward to seeing .tokyo showcasing the best of Tokyo and helping us to become the number one city in the world.”

Almost 70 new geoTLDs are set to come online over the next few years. These government-backed TLDs represent an opportunity for businesses to connect with local markets in a space recognized and trusted by local consumers. As one of the world’s largest cities, .tokyo is expected to be one of the most in-demand TLDs in this new genre. Further, as the host city for the 2020 Olympic Games, Tokyo is now in the global spotlight, and is expected to have broader appeal for both business and personal use.

Background
In November 2011, GMO Registry won official support from the Metropolitan Government of Tokyo after presenting a vision for .tokyo as a domain that would make a valuable contribution to the community and economy of Tokyo, and build the city’s online brand both locally and globally. GMO Registry then submitted an application to the Internet Corporation of Names and Numbers (ICANN) and after successfully moving through the evaluation process, signed an agreement with ICANN to operate the new GeoTLD, .tokyo on November 11, 2013. GMO Registry launched Japan’s first GeoTLD, .nagoya for the City of Nagoya on February 20, and will launch .yokohama for the City of Yokohama later this year.

.tokyo Launch Phases
Sunrise Phase: Priority registration phase for trademark holders
Date: April 7, 2014 12:00pm (JST) – June 6, 2014 23:59 (JST)
Land Rush Phase: Advance registration (open eligibility)
Date: June 9, 2014 12:00pm (JST) – July 18, 2014 23:59 (JST)
General Availability: Open first-come-first-served registration
Date: From July 22, 2014 12:00pm (JST)

About GMO Registry
GMO Registry was established in 2009 to provide all-in registry solutions for new gTLDs including assistance with the new gTLD application process, building and operating registry systems, and marketing support. The company is founded on the technology and extensive industry experience of the GMO Internet Group. Many global brands including Canon and Hitachi have chosen GMO Registry as a technology partner to build exclusive branded namespaces under their own brand extension. In 2014, GMO Registry begins rolling out GeoTLDs for Japanese cities, including .nagoya, .tokyo and .yokohama. For more information please visit: http://www.gmoregistry.com/.

About GMO Internet Group
GMO Internet Group is a comprehensive provider of industry-leading Internet solutions including domain name registration, cloud-based and traditional hosting, ecommerce, security, and payment processing services that each hold the top share of their respective markets in Japan. Other key business areas for the Group include online securities/FX trading, Internet advertising, search engine marketing, and smartphone game development and publishing. GMO Internet, Inc. (TSE: 9449) is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. For more information please visit: http://www.gmo.jp/en.