Blog | JAPAN GENEALOGY CONNECT

The Roots of the Japanese Emperors

The Japanese Imperial Family has ruled Japan for over 1,000 years, yet few people deeply consider its origins. This article explores the history and roots of the Imperial Family.

The History of Family Registers (Koseki)

What Is the Koseki System? The koseki system is Japan’s national family registration system used for population management. In recent years, it has been criticized as inefficient, which has l…

The History of Japanese Surnames

Japanese people have surnames, but do you know when they were created and how they started? Surnames in Japan have a long history and deep origins. This article explains their history and background.

Discovering Your Roots: How to Uncover Lost Place Names and Ancestral Origins

Have you ever wondered, “Where did my ancestors live? As you dive into exploring your roots, you may come across unfamiliar place names associated with your family history. This can raise intrig…

How Long Are Koseki Records Kept? A Guide to Japanese Family Registers

In Japan, family registers, or koseki (戸籍), are essential sources of information for tracing one’s ancestors. The koseki system provides detailed records of who is related to whom, who married w…

The History of Family Crests

When imagining a family crest, many tend to think of European heraldry and coats-of-arms, symbols held only by the nobility. In contrast, Japanese family crests, or kamon (家紋) are held by a broad s…