Japan SWIFT Codes and Bank Codes

Use a SWIFT or BIC for an international business payment to Japan. Use the bank code only when the receiving instructions or payment form specifically request it.

The table covers four major banks using the Japanese Bankers Association’s current four-digit financial institution codes and bank-published SWIFT/BICs. A domestic transfer also needs the beneficiary’s separate three-digit branch code.

Japan SWIFT codes and bank codes

A Japanese bank code is a four-digit financial institution identifier. The branch code is separate. A SWIFT/BIC identifies the bank for international messaging.

For a Japanese domestic transfer, pair the four-digit bank code with the three-digit branch code and account details. Overseas banks sending to Japan generally use the SWIFT/BIC plus the bank and branch information supplied by the recipient.

Are SWIFT codes different for business accounts?

Business and personal accounts usually share the institution-level SWIFT/BIC. The correct receiving instructions can still differ by legal entity, branch, account currency, product or correspondent route.

For a business payment, obtain bank-issued instructions showing the registered business name, account number or IBAN, account currency, legal bank name and the requested routing identifiers. Confirm changed or first-time details through a known contact at the recipient business.

How to choose the correct bank code

1. Identify the payment route. International wires commonly use a SWIFT/BIC. Domestic payment rails may request the local code.
2. Match the exact institution and branch. Do not substitute a code from another branch, product or legal entity.
3. Check the account currency. Correspondent instructions can differ by settlement currency.
4. Confirm before release. Compare the value with current instructions issued for the beneficiary account.

Using Japan bank details in a business payment workflow

Store the beneficiary name, account number or IBAN, currency, bank entity and verified routing details together. Require a second-channel check when bank details change before approving a payment.

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Frequently asked questions

Is a Japanese bank code the same as a SWIFT code?

No. The four-digit code identifies the financial institution in Japan. A SWIFT/BIC identifies a financial institution or service for international bank messaging.

Do business accounts use different SWIFT codes in Japan?

Usually the bank-level BIC is shared across customer types. Receiving instructions can still differ by legal entity, branch, currency, product or correspondent route.

How should these Japanese bank details be verified?

Compare them with written receiving instructions issued for the beneficiary account. Confirm the legal bank entity, branch or service, account currency and payment route before releasing funds.

Does a Japanese bank code include the branch?

No. Japanese branches use a separate three-digit branch code. Obtain it from the beneficiary’s receiving instructions.