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We are pleased to announce the introduction of remote signatures for commercial registration electronic certification

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From July 2026, Ministry of Justice and Digital Agency are planning to introduce a remote signing method linked to gBizID for the commercial registration of electronic certification. This will make it possible to grant digital signatures online using the gBizID app on smartphones. It will also make it possible to prepare for the issuance of electronic certification and manage them on the browser-based website. The signing key (*) and commercial registration electronic certification required for digital signatures will be changed from a file-based format to a secure cloud-based format. The background to the introduction is the resolution of issues related to usage environments and security in the current local signing method (file-based format). The changes and Q & amp; A following the introduction are as follows.

*A signature key is an encryption key (private key) held only by a principal for creating an electronic signature. By signing a document using this key and verifying it with the corresponding public key, it is possible to confirm that the document has not been tampered with and that the signature is made by the principal.

Table of Contents

  1. Background to the introduction of the remote signature method
  2. What Will Change with the Introduction of Remote Signature?
  3. How Remote Signing Works
  4. Instructions on how to sign using the remote signature method
  5. Q&A
  6. Reference Information

1. Background of the introduction of the remote signature method

Commercial registration electronic certification is a electronic certification that certifies that users are representatives of companies and corporations through online applications for administrative procedures and electronic contracts between companies and corporations. It has the same function as a paper certificate of the seal impression of a company or corporation. Electronic signatures using commercial registration electronic certification are currently based on a method called local signature, and can be broadly divided into the following two forms.

  1. File form: A form in which a signature key and a commercial registration electronic certification are stored in a computer in the form of a file
  2. IC card format: Signature key and commercial registration electronic certification are stored in security chips such as IC cards so that they cannot be retrieved from outside.

Among them, 1. The following issues are related to the file format. The remote signature method is introduced to solve these issues in the file format.

  • Problems due to limited usage environment
    Since signing keys are stored as electronic certification files in the form of files on users' PCs, the environments in which procedures can be performed are limited. For example, if a electronic certification file is stored on an office PC and a user goes on a business trip, the user cannot sign the file unless he or she brings the PC with him or her.
  • Security Challenges
    Because electronic certification files can be duplicated, proper management can be difficult. If not managed properly, electronic certification files containing signing keys and their passwords can be exposed and used by third parties.

2. What Will Change with the Introduction of Remote Signature?

The following points are changed by the introduction of the remote signature method.

  • Changes in the Form of Storage of Signature Keys and Commercial Register electronic certification
    • Signing keys are no longer stored in the form of electronic certification files on user PCs. Instead, they are stored on cloud hardware that is under strict control, thus improving security.
    • The preparation and management of electronic certification publication can be done through a browser, which reduces the management burden on users.
  • Digital Signatures Now Available Online
    • Restrictions on the usage environment will be eliminated, and it will be possible to do it online from anywhere through smartphones, etc.
  • Cooperation with gBizID
    • Users must obtain a gBizID account.
    • You will be able to authorize signatures (approve the granting of electronic signatures) in the gBizID app on your smartphone.

3. Mechanism of Remote Signature Granting

I will explain the flow of granting electronic signatures using commercial registration electronic certification by comparing the current flow and the future flow. Both assume the situation where electronic signatures of commercial registration electronic certification are granted to applications, etc. to be submitted in online administrative procedures. After the introduction of the remote signing method, there are two methods: "remote signing" and "signing compatible with local Signature App." For details, please check the following.

  • Current case
    • The requesting user shall attach a digital signature to the application form, etc. using a separate Local Signature App (software for local environments). As a specific technical mechanism at this time, Local Signature App shall attach a digital signature to the application form, etc. using the signature key of the electronic certification file stored in the form of a file on the computer.
    • Finally, the applicant user uploads the application form and other documents with the electronic signature to the online procedure system and submits them.
  • In the future (after introduction of remote signature method)
    • Remote signing only
      An applying user selects an application form, etc. to which an electronic signature is to be granted and grants an electronic signature through the Online Procedure System. As a specific technical mechanism for this process, the Online Procedure System issues a signature request (a request to "please sign") to the remote signing system. Upon receiving the request, the remote signing system grants an electronic signature online using the applying user's signature key on the cloud, after obtaining approval from the applying user's gBizID app. Since the signature key is stored on the cloud, the granting of an electronic signature is completed online without using the Local Signature App.
    • Remote signing for local Signature App
      • Even after the introduction of the remote signing system, we will provide a signing driver that supports the remote signing method in order to make it possible to grant digital signatures using the local Signature App in the same way as before.
      • When using a signature driver, an applying user shall open the Local Signature App and grant a digital signature to an application form, etc. However, in this case, unlike the current system, a request for signatures from the Local Signature App shall be made to the remote signature system through the signature driver. Then, the applying user shall upload the application form, etc. to which the digital signature has been granted to the online procedure system and submit it.

Please refer to the diagram below, which shows the above information.

A diagram comparing the current system and the system after the introduction of remote signatures as a mechanism for granting electronic signatures of commercial registration electronic certification in online procedures. In the current system, applications and other documents are signed from the Signature App file via Local electronic certification, and the applications and other documents are uploaded to the online procedure system for application. After the introduction of remote signatures, the remote signatures system is operated from the online procedure system using a smartphone, and the applications and other documents on the online procedure system are signed after approval from the gBizID app held by the user. Even after the introduction of remote signatures, Local Signature App is supported, and Local Signature App requests signatures from the remote signatures system, which triggers the signing of applications and other documents after approval from the gBizID app held by the user, and the applications and other documents are uploaded to the online procedure system for application. Details are explained in the previous sentence.

4. Instructions on how to sign using the remote signature method

Here is an example of how to sign the commercial registration electronic certification under the remote signing method. Signing is completed in two steps.

Step 1: Apply for and obtain a Commercial Registration electronic certification

  1. Log in to the electronic certification portal for commercial registration (tentative name) on the website at gBizID and prepare the application.
    • Create the files necessary to apply for the issuance of a Commercial Registration electronic certification
    • When creating a file, link it in advance to the gBizID application (smartphone application) that will be used when actually granting a digital signature
  2. Apply to the Registry Office (Legal Affairs Bureau) for issuance of a Commercial Registration electronic certification
    • There are 2 ways to apply for issuance. Both of them are the same as the current way of application.
      • By submitting a written document
      • Online submission using the Integrated Application Software
  3. At the electronic certification portal for commercial registration, enter the serial number notified by the registry office and acquire the commercial registration electronic certification

The following is a screen image of the electronic authentication portal for commercial registration (tentative name). Please refer to it as well.

Figure showing a proposed screen shot of the E-Authentication Portal for Commercial Registration, showing the three steps to apply for and obtain a electronic certification: Create a Keypair Application File, Apply for Issuance of a electronic certification to the Competent Registry Office, and Register a electronic certification, with a brief description of each step. At the top of the screen is a navigation menu.

Step 2: Grant an electronic signature with a commercial registration certificate

  1. Access the online procedure system on the browser
  2. Select a file to which an electronic signature is to be added during application procedures, etc.
    For example, a button such as "A digital signature of the commercial registration electronic certification is given to this file" is pressed.
  3. A four digit number called an authorization code appears on the screen
  4. Open the gBizID app (smartphone app) linked in 1 of step 1 and enter the authorization code on the screen.
  5. Signed

Please refer to the following screen shot when electronic signatures are granted after the introduction of the remote signature system.

A screenshot of the operations involved in granting electronic signatures for commercial registration electronic certification after the introduction of the remote signature system. In the online procedure system on the computer, there is a file called

4. Q&A

It is divided into sections for the general public, users, and developers of related software.

General

  • Q1-1. When will the new method (remote signature method) be introduced?
    • A1-1. The transition to the new system will begin in July 2026.
  • Q1-2. In the new method (remote signature method), is the signature key stored securely?
    • A1-2. Yes, with the remote signing method, the signing key is kept strictly in hardware in the cloud. Concretely, the electronic certification is generated, stored and managed by the latest hardware-based security module, which is physically protected. It is equipped with tamper-proof (structure resistant to tampering and physical illegal access) and access-control functions to prevent illegal access and tampering, as well as a mechanism to guarantee data confidentiality and integrity.
  • Q1-3. What are the advantages of the remote signature method?
    • A1-3. Since signature keys are securely managed in the cloud, electronic signatures can be granted regardless of the user's PC environment.
  • Q1-4. What is different from the electronic signature service of the business operator signature type (witness signature)?
    • A1-4. For services of the business signature-issuing type, enterprises sign their electronic signatures with their signing keys. For remote signing of the electronic certification of business registration, users sign their electronic signatures with their signing keys.
  • Q1-5. Can the gBizID App be used for signing authorization in a electronic certification other than the electronic certification with Commercial Registration?
    • A1-5. Not available for signature authorization outside the electronic certification of Commercial Registration.
  • Q1-6. What is a remote signing driver software?
    • A1-6. This is an optional function that enables conventional digital signatures in local environments. By installing a remote signing driver software, for example, you can grant digital signatures in local environments using Adobe Acrobat Reader, etc. (Support for Windows only is planned).
      If the administrative service performing the online application supports remote signing, you do not need to install it.

For users

  • Q2-1. Will the electronic certification currently in use become invalid? Until when can it be used?
    • A2-1. Your Commercial Registration electronic certification (electronic certification in its existing file format) will continue to be available after the introduction of Remote Signing (July 2026 and thereafter) until the expiration of the Remote Signing period. However, Remote Signing will only be available during the traditional local signing period.
  • Q2-2. As an example, the validity period of the commercial registration electronic certification in the existing file formats is January 2027, and it is valid even after the start of the remote signing system operation (July 2026). Can this electronic certification be used in the remote signing system?
    • A2-2. The commercial registration electronic certification in the existing file formats cannot be used with the remote signing method. When signing electronically using the remote signing method, it is necessary to obtain a new commercial registration electronic certification using the electronic certification portal for commercial registrations after the start of operation of the remote signing method (July 2026).
  • Q2-3. Will it become impossible to use Ministry of Justice's "electronic certification software for commercial registrations"?
    • A2-3. The provision and support of "electronic authentication software for commercial registration" will be terminated in July 2026.
  • Q2-4. Is it possible to receive the issuance of electronic certification in the form of a file even after the start of operation of remote signatures (July 2026)?
    • A2-4. It is possible. It is possible to issue a commercial registration electronic certification in the form of a file by using the application software (charged) provided by private sector instead of the "Electronic Certification Software for Commercial Registration".
  • Q2-5. Currently, business registration electronic certification in the form of a file is used for signing in Signature App (Adobe Acrobat Reader, etc.), but will the usage method change with the introduction of remote signing?
    • A2-5. You can continue to use the current method of commercial registration electronic certification within the expiration date of the existing file formats. If you wish to use the remote signing method, you can do so by obtaining a new commercial registration electronic certification using the electronic certification portal for commercial registrations and further downloading the remote signing driver software (free of charge).
      Please note that Signature App may need to take action.
  • Q2-6. Can I use an IC card?
    • A2-6. You can continue to use the service provided by private sector for storing your commercial registration electronic certification on your IC card (fee charged). However, remote signing cannot be used with electronic certification in IC card format.
  • Q2-7. Are there any necessary procedures for switching to the remote signature method?
    • A2-7. In place of the conventional electronic certification software for commercial registration, you will need to log in to the website provided on your browser (available from July 2026) and prepare your application. A gBizID account is required for logging in, so please consider obtaining one in advance. A smartphone with the gBizID app installed and an Internet connection are also required. Detailed procedures will be provided later.
  • Q2-8. What should I do if I have any questions about the migration?
    • A2-8. Upon the transition to the remote signature method, a dedicated help desk will be established to enable inquiries by phone, e-mail, etc. Manuals, etc. will also be prepared to support users to make the transition smoothly. Details will be announced later.
  • Q2-9. Will the method of application for issuance of a commercial registration electronic certification change with the introduction of the remote signing system?
    • A2-9. In the past, it was necessary to create the file required when applying for issuance through the "Electronic Certification Software for Commercial Registrations," but after the introduction of the remote signature method, it will be changed to a method using the "Electronic Certification Portal for Commercial Registrations (tentative name)," which is a website. On the other hand, when applying for issuance to a registry office (Legal Affairs Bureau), you will continue to use the conventional methods of (1) submitting the document or (2) submitting it online using the "Comprehensive Application Software."

For developers of related software

  • Q3-1. What is required to support remote signing?
    • A3-1. Remote signatures will be provided using the remote signature API method and the remote signature driver method. Consider supporting the remote signature API method for web services and the remote signature driver method for software in a local environment. Note that the remote signature API method will be available for administrative services only for the time being.
  • Q3-2. I offer electronic certification to sign with Signature App in the form of a file. How should I respond to the introduction of remote signing?
    • A3-2. By using the remote signing driver software, you will be able to sign documents using CAPI / CNG in Windows environments. Please consider renewing your Signature App.
  • Q3-3. Where can I find the specifications for the remote signature API and the technical specifications for the signature driver?
    • A3-3. As soon as we are ready, we will announce it again in the fall of 2025.

5. Reference Information

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