How to Obtain Your Koseki
A koseki tohon is a family registry. It has family details such as births, marriages, divorces, adoptions, and deaths. Government offices consider it to be your official family record.
Share
Why Is Having Access to Your Koseki Important?
Obtaining Official Documents
A koseki is considered proof of citizenship and is legal documentation.
Government Services
Your koseki is most likely required when you apply for government services.
Understanding Your Family
Your koseki will include household, addresses, and vital events of family members.
Tracing Your Ancestry
Your koseki is a great tool for learning more about your ancestry and heritage.
How to Get Your Koseki
To help make the process easier, we've outlined this simple 5-step process to obtaining your koseki.
Find the Municipal Office
To find the link to your website for more information about how to request your koseki, click the link below. Consider doing a search for "戸籍" on the website to get to the right place.
Gather Documents
When getting your koseki, you'll need to bring certain legal identification and other documents. See our checklist for help.
Submit a Request
You can submit a request through mail, in person, or through an agent. Whichever way you choose, ensure that your documentation is taken to the municipal office you identified earlier.
Pay Applicable Fees
Koseki retrieval fees typically start at ¥450. If you're hoping to obtain additional family documents, check with your office beforehand for additional fees to ensure you bring the right amount.
Receive Your Koseki
Depending on your method, processing time can vary. If you go in person, then you can possibly get your koseki on the same day. Receiving it through the mail or hiring an agent can take a few days to a few weeks.
Start Your Family History
Already have your koseki? Start recording your family history about your marriage, your children, or yourself today.
Get startedAbout FamilySearch
FamilySearch has been connecting families across generations for over 100 years.
Searchable Names in Historical Records
Digital Books Online
FamilySearch Centers
Digital Images Published
Monthly Visits
People in the Family Tree
My grandparents died when I was young, so I knew very little about them. But when I used FamilySearch, I was able to find family register and census records that I never expected. I started building my family tree little by little on weekends, despite my busy work schedule. In the process, I started sharing my family stories with my children, and I feel more connected to them than ever before.
Ken T.
Tokyo, Japan
Ready to Start?
Enjoy all the features of FamilySearch.org with a free account.
Or sign in if you already have an account.