July 21, 2014
- GMO Registry,Inc.
GMO Registry Opens City of Tokyo Top Level Domain, .tokyo for General Registration
Tokyo, Japan – July 21, 2014 -- GMO Internet Group company, GMO Registry announces that .tokyo ( http://hello.tokyo/en ), the top level domain representing Tokyo, the capital city of Japan, will open for worldwide general registration on July 22, 2014, at 03:00 UTC. Following the initial launch phases in which .tokyo was open first exclusively to trademark holders and then in a special priority pre-registration phase, tomorrow’s launch marks the first time that .tokyo domain name registrations will be available on a first-come-first-served basis at over 50 .tokyo accredited registrars worldwide.
.tokyo is a domain that will represent and promote the City of Tokyo; it will provide a platform to effectively deliver city information to Internet users both locally and globally. As well as allowing Tokyo businesses and residents to create relevant and meaningful online identities, .tokyo is also an ideal choice for businesses looking to reach local Japanese markets, businesses and community groups such as sushi restaurants or martial arts clubs that have ties to Japanese culture, or anyone with an interest in Japan. Registration is completely open, no local address is required.
Tokyo, Japan, is one of the world's largest urban economies, known for innovation in technology, luxury shopping, and world-class cuisine. From kabuki to anime, the city is a hub for both traditional and modern Japanese arts; it is home to the largest number of cultural assets in Japan and has the most Michelin-star restaurants of any city in the world.
Background
In November 2011, GMO Registry won official support from the Metropolitan Government of Tokyo to operate .tokyo after presenting a vision for a domain that would make a valuable contribution to the community and economy of Tokyo and build the city’s online brand both locally and globally. GMO Registry signed an agreement with Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) to operate the new GeoTLD, .tokyo, on November 11, 2013. In addition to .tokyo, already almost 20 new GeoTLDs representing geographic regions, have launched or are in the process of launching including .berlin, .london and .nyc.
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. Global brands including Canon and Hitachi have chosen GMO Registry as a technology partner to build exclusive branded namespaces under their own top level domain. In 2014, GMO Registry began rolling out GeoTLDs for Japanese cities, including .nagoya, .tokyo and .yokohama. For more information please visit: http://www.gmoregistry.com/ .
GMO Internet Group
GMO Internet Group is an Internet services industry leader, developing and operating Japan’s most widely used domain, hosting & cloud, ecommerce, security, and payment solutions. The Group also comprises the world’s largest online FX trading platform, as well as online advertising, Internet media, and mobile entertainment products. GMO Internet, Inc. (TSE: 9449) is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.