Table of Contents
- Working with .jp Domains on Squarespace
- What Makes .jp Domains Different
- Getting a .jp Domain Set Up
- Registering a New .jp Domain
- Connecting an Existing .jp Domain
- Important Limitations to Know About
- Domain Transfers Don't Work
- No Domain Locking
- When Your Domain Expires
- No Whois Privacy
- Before You Register
- Common Questions
- Quick Definitions
- Bottom Line
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Last Edited Time
Jun 25, 2025 09:35 PM
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.jp domains
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AI summary
.jp domains require a Japanese address and phone number for registration, cannot be transferred to Squarespace, lack Whois privacy, and have no refunds or grace periods. Ensure accuracy during registration to avoid irreversible mistakes.
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Working with .jp Domains on Squarespace
Understanding the special requirements and limitations when using Japanese domains with your Squarespace site
TL;DR: Key Points
- .jp domains show a professional or business presence in Japan
- You need a Japanese address and phone number to register one
- You can't transfer .jp domains to Squarespace (but you can connect them)
- No Whois privacy protection available
- No refunds or grace periods if you make a mistake
What Makes .jp Domains Different
.jp domains work differently from the usual .com or .co.uk domains you might be used to. They're country-code domains (ccTLD) for Japan, which means they come with specific rules that can catch you off guard if you're not prepared.
Getting a .jp Domain Set Up
Registering a New .jp Domain
You can register a .jp domain directly through Squarespace, but here's what you need to know first:
You'll need Japanese contact details:
- A permanent Japanese postal address
- A Japanese phone number
This is a hard requirement. If you don't have these, you can't register a .jp domain.
No second chances:
There's no grace period for .jp domains. Once you've registered it, you can't cancel or get a refund. Double-check your spelling and make sure you really want that exact domain name.
Connecting an Existing .jp Domain
If you already own a .jp domain with another registrar, you can connect it to your Squarespace site. You just can't transfer ownership to Squarespace (more on that below).
Important Limitations to Know About
Domain Transfers Don't Work
You can't transfer a .jp domain to Squarespace like you would with other domains. If you need to transfer one away from Squarespace, you'll need to contact support for a manual transfer code.
No Domain Locking
Most domains can be "locked" to prevent unauthorized transfers. .jp domains don't support this feature, so they're always unlocked.
When Your Domain Expires
This gets complicated because it depends on which registrar Squarespace uses for your domain:
If it's with Tucows: The domain disappears from your Squarespace dashboard when it expires. You'll need to contact Tucows directly to sort out reactivation.
If it's with Key-Systems: There's no grace period at all. Contact them immediately if your domain expires and you want to keep it.
No Whois Privacy
Whois privacy (which hides your personal details from public domain lookups) isn't available for .jp domains. Your registration details will be publicly visible.
Before You Register
Make absolutely sure you:
- Have the correct Japanese address and phone number
- Have spelled your domain name correctly
- Actually need a .jp domain for your business
Remember, there are no refunds if you change your mind.
Common Questions
Can I transfer my existing .jp domain to Squarespace?
No, direct transfers aren't supported. You can only connect it to point to your Squarespace site.
What happens if my .jp domain expires?
It depends on your registrar. Contact either Tucows or Key-Systems directly - don't wait around as there might not be a grace period.
Can I hide my personal details on a .jp domain?
No, Whois privacy isn't available for .jp domains.
Quick Definitions
ccTLD: Country Code Top-Level Domain. These are domain endings reserved for specific countries (.jp for Japan, .uk for the UK, etc.)
Whois: A public database that shows who owns a domain name, including their contact details
TLD: Top-Level Domain. The bit after the final dot in a domain name (.com, .org, .jp, etc.)
Bottom Line
.jp domains come with more restrictions than most other domain types. The Japanese residency requirement alone rules them out for many people. If you do qualify and need one for your business, just be extra careful during registration since you can't undo mistakes.