Choose the plan you would like, then apply.
You may know your grandparents' names,
but do you know the ancestors before them?
Where they were born, what their names were, and what families they lived with.
Those records still remain, reliably, in the family register.
Family Research traces every family register we can obtain, one by one,
and follows your family's journey back in time.
The result is a “family record”
that you can pass on to your children and grandchildren just as it is.
What You Receive from Research
Not imagination, but records. Your family's journey takes shape.
About 150 Years, 5–7 Generations
We trace every family register we can obtain, back to the earliest ancestors possible.
Records of Each Ancestor
Reliable records left in the family register, such as names, relationships and registered domicile (honseki).
A Single Family Tree (PDF)
Organized into an easy-to-read Family Map and delivered as a PDF. It also makes a lovely gift.
We collect three types of family register
Family registers record the family of each era. By tracing them in order, we can go back about 150 years, or five to seven generations.
The current recordCertified copy of the family register
The most recent family register, listing your current family. This is the starting point.
The closed recordCertified copy of the closed register (joseki)
An older family register that was closed after everyone listed in it left, due to marriage, death, transfer of domicile and so on.
The record before revisionCertified copy of the pre-revision register (kaisei genkoseki)
A family register in an older format, from before registers were rewritten following changes in the law. It leads further back in time.
Which lineage will you trace?
Your ancestors branch into four “surname lines.” You can start with just one lineage.
Father's side — your father's father's lineage
Father's side — your father's mother's lineage
Mother's side — your mother's father's lineage
Mother's side — your mother's mother's lineage
Prices are per lineage (one surname line). You can also apply for all four lineages.
Research Services and Prices
Prices are per lineage (one surname line), tax included.
Information Gathering Only ¥22,000
We collect the family registers that can be obtained (certified copies of the family register, closed register and pre-revision register) and hand them to you as they are. For those who would like to read them on their own. Delivery is within 60 days of confirming your payment.
Information Gathering + Map Creation ¥55,000
In addition to collecting the family registers, we create an easy-to-read Family Map (family tree) and deliver it as a PDF. Delivery is within 120 days of confirming your payment.
~150 yrs
Ancestors traced
3 types
Registers collected
4 lines
Lineages to choose
Map delivery
How to Apply
After logging in as a member, follow the steps below.
- Choose the research scope (plan) you would like.
- Choose the lineage to be researched.
- Enter your information.
- Download the letter of authorization, sign it and send it to us by post.
- Pay the research fee, and your application is complete.
* Prices are per lineage (one surname line).
* Delivery is within 60 days for “Information Gathering Only” and within 120 days for “Information Gathering + Map Creation,” counted from the confirmation of your payment. The timing may vary within this period depending on the number of lineages and the circumstances of each municipality.
* By collecting the family registers that can be obtained, you can generally learn about your family from roughly 150 years ago. If older registers have been lost, the research covers only as far back as can be traced.
* The map we create does not use old variant kana (hentaigana); everything is written in modern hiragana.
* The completed map is sent to you by email as a PDF.
* All collected family registers and any unused letters of authorization are returned to you by post.
FAQ
How long after I apply will I receive the results?
After we confirm your payment, we send the results within 60 days for “Information Gathering Only” and within 120 days for “Information Gathering + Map Creation.” The timing may vary within this period depending on the number of lineages and the circumstances of each municipality.
Can I apply even if I'm not sure of the surname or registered domicile?
Yes. We trace back from your current family register, so it is fine even if you have little information on hand. You can apply with whatever you know.
Can the records become impossible to trace partway?
In cases such as when old family registers have been lost, the research may only go as far as can be traced. Even then, we will create your results based on the records we were able to obtain.
Can I request several lineages?
You can apply one lineage at a time. You can also apply for all four lineages.
What happens to the family registers you collect?
All family register documents collected, as well as any unused letters of authorization, will be returned to you by post.
I'm worried about how my personal information is handled.
The information you entrust to us is encrypted and stored securely, and is not used for any purpose other than the research. After the research is complete, it is disposed of properly together with the documents.
Based on official recordsBecause we trace the reliable records of the family register, what remains is a record of facts, not imagination or hearsay.
In a single family treeThe records we collect are delivered as an easy-to-read family tree (Family Map) in PDF. You can look back at it anytime.
Personal information is stored encryptedInformation such as names and registered domicile is encrypted and strictly managed.
Family registers and letters of authorization are returnedAll collected family registers and unused letters of authorization are returned to you by post.
Why not trace your family's journey?
You can apply after logging in as a member. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
