Some of the major records sources that can be used for genealogy research in Japan include:
- Buddhist death registers (Kakocho) contain the name, posthumous name, death date, and sometimes the household unit of the person
- Religious Inquisition Census Records (Shumoncho), which is a census that was taken periodically to classify people according to their religion and to detect illegal Christians (1640-1872).
- Pilgrimage Records (Dankaicho), which are records of persons making pilgrimages to Buddhist temples (1550-1870). Provides reliable source for surnames.
- Japan Calendars, which are roughly equivalent to feudal court records (1543-1867).
- Tombstone inscriptions, in manuscript or published form (1600-present).
- Household Registration Records (Koseki), which is a registration of the population taken nationwide by the government. since 1872.
- Christian Church records (Kirisuto Kyokai Kiroku) of baptisms, marriages, and deaths kept by church clergy (1873-present).
- Emigrant passenger lists and assorted papers on emigrant shipping (Ryokaku Meibo to Imin Unsosen Mondai Zakken) (1868-1940).
- Immigration records (passenger lists and ship manifests) in the language of the port where they arrived (1890s-1960)
- Military records, such as Enshrined Patriots’ Lists (Senshisha Meibo) of heroic soldiers and patriots (aikokusha) who are honored and enshrined at various shrines and temples (1852-1945).
- Village records (1600-1868) provide generational linkages, as well as names, places, and dates for village inhabitants,