Managing .jp Domains on Squarespace
TL;DR:
- You need a Japan-based address and phone number to register .jp domains
- .jp domains can't be transferred to Squarespace, only connected
- No domain locking, Whois privacy, or grace period for cancellations
- Double-check spelling before registering – there's no going back
- Contact your original registrar if the domain expires
Running a business in Japan? A .jp domain helps establish local credibility. Here's what you need to know about getting one working with Squarespace.
Registration Requirements
.jp domains aren't like regular domains. You'll need:
- A physical address in Japan
- A Japanese phone number
- Proof you're engaged in business activities in Japan
These requirements come from the Japanese registry, not Squarespace. Make sure you have these details ready before you start.
Getting Your .jp Domain Connected
You have two options:
Register through Squarespace: If you don't have a .jp domain yet, you can register one directly through your Squarespace account. This is the simplest route.
Connect an existing domain: Already own a .jp domain? You'll need to connect it rather than transfer it. Squarespace doesn't support direct transfers for .jp domains.
What You Can't Do with .jp Domains
.jp domains come with several restrictions:
No domain locking: Most domains can be locked to prevent unauthorized transfers. .jp domains can't be locked at all.
No Whois privacy: Your registration details will be publicly visible in the Whois database. There's no way to hide this information.
No grace period: If you make a mistake during registration or want to cancel, there's no grace period. Check everything twice before confirming.
No transfer codes: You can't generate transfer authorization codes from the Squarespace interface. Contact support if you need help with transfers.
When Things Go Wrong
Domain expires: .jp domains don't have a grace period after expiration. Contact your original registrar immediately if this happens. Squarespace can't help reactivate expired .jp domains.
Need to transfer: If you want to move your .jp domain to another provider, you'll need to contact Squarespace support for assistance.
Auto-renewal issues: Set up auto-renewal to avoid losing your domain. Given the lack of grace period, this is crucial.
Promotions and Discounts
.jp domains are excluded from most Squarespace promotions, including free domain offers. You'll pay the standard registration fee regardless of any current deals.
FAQs
Can I transfer my .jp domain from another registrar to Squarespace?
No, but you can connect it to your Squarespace site instead.
What happens if my .jp domain expires?
Contact your original registrar immediately. There's no grace period, so quick action is essential.
Can I hide my contact details for a .jp domain?
No, Whois privacy isn't available for .jp domains.
Can I cancel my .jp domain registration?
No, there's no grace period for cancellations. Make sure you're certain before registering.
Jargon Buster
ccTLD: Country Code Top-Level Domain – a domain extension reserved for a specific country (.jp for Japan)
Registrar: The company where you register your domain name
Whois Privacy: A service that hides your contact information from public domain databases
Grace Period: A short window after registration or expiration where you can cancel or renew without penalty
Wrap-up
.jp domains need more planning than regular domains. The registration requirements are stricter, and there's less flexibility once you've registered. But if you're doing business in Japan, having a .jp domain shows local commitment.
The key is preparation. Have your Japanese address and phone number ready, double-check your spelling, and set up auto-renewal from day one. The restrictions might seem limiting, but they're manageable once you know what to expect.
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