News
GMO Registry Signs ICANN Registry Agreements for New Geographic Top Level Domains, .tokyo, .nagoya
Tokyo – November 18, 2013 -- GMO Internet Group company, GMO Registry, today announces it has signed contracts with the Internet Corporation of Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) to operate two new geographic Top Level Domains. The contracts, for .tokyo, and .nagoya were signed on November 13, and October 24 respectively.
Between January and May of 2012, ICANN began accepting applications for new gTLDs, setting afoot what is likely to be the biggest ever expansion of the Internet namespace. During the application window, GMO Registry submitted aplications for .tokyo and .nagoya, with the support of the two cities’ governments. In July 2013, both applications passed the initial evaluation process. Having now signed Registry Agreements, GMO Registry has become the official registry operator of the .tokyo and .nagoya TLDs.
The next stage in the process for the two domains is pre-delegation testing. Following the successful completion of testing it is expected that .tokyo and .nagoya will be ready to launch early next year. Registration will be completely open - no local address will be required.
Other Applied-for GeoTLDs
GMO Registry has also applied to operate new GeoTLDs .yokohama and .osaka. Two applications were received by ICANN for .osaka and it is expected that the registry operator will be determined through negotiation between the applicants or by auction.
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 have chosen to partner with GMO Registry to secure their respective brand names as TLDs. GMO Registry has the official support of the governments of Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and Yokohama to operate their respective city gTLDs. In the current new gTLD application round, GMO Registry has also applied to operate the three generic names .shop, .inc, and .mail. Please visit http://www.gmoregistry.com/en/ for more information.
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. Please visit www.gmo.jp/en for more information.