Application Details

Last published on: 7 October 2026 at 15:32 UTC

Application Type: New gTLD

Primary String: sokagakkai

TLD Types: Brand

Application ID: STSK2694T-T44451

Application Priority Number: --

Application Status: Active

Processing Stage: Pre-Evaluation Processing

Comment Period: --

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Summary Responses Clarifying Questions Change Requests Documents Objections

Application Responses

Section: Applying Entity Information

This question set collects information regarding the legal entity that would enter into a Registry Agreement with ICANN upon successful completion of all relevant application processes. The information collected is intended to be used for background screening.

AGB Q1. Full Legal Name

Provide the full legal name of the applying entity as it appears on the official registration documents. Do not use abbreviations.

Shinano Tatemono Sogo-Kanri Co., LTD.

AGB Q3. Legal Entity Form/Business Structure

Provide the long form (no acronyms) of the legal entity form/business structure of the applying entity as it appears on the official registration documents. If the original script of the legal entity form/business structure is not English, ONLY provide its official English translation. No additional information should be provided as this will be used for the automatic population of the Registry Agreement.

Corporation

AGB Q4. Jurisdiction

The jurisdiction indicates the location in which the business of the applying entity is registered for legal and financial purposes. This is either 1) a country name, or a 2) state/territory name, depending on where the applying entity is registered. No additional information should be provided as this will be used for the automatic population of the Base Registry Agreement. Examples include "Delaware", "Germany", etc.

Japan

AGB Q10. Website URL

Provide the website URL of the applying entity, if available.

https://www.sokaglobal.org/

AGB Q11. Is the applying entity an existing registry operator, ICANN accredited registrar, or an Affiliate of either?

1. Choose Yes or No. 2. Use the definition of Affiliate from the Base Registry Agreement (see https://www.icann.org/en/registry-agreements/base-agreement).

false

AGB Q13. Is the applying entity a back-end registry service provider (RSP), an ICANN-approved data escrow agent, an emergency back-end registry operator, a Uniform Rapid Suspension (URS) service provider, an ICANN dispute resolution service provider, a Privacy or Proxy Service Provider, or a Reseller?

Choose Yes or No.

false

AGB Q17. Phone Country Code

AGB Q18. Primary Business Phone

Provide the primary business phone number without including the country code.

3-5215-8451

AGB Q19. Primary Business Email Address

Provide the primary business email address of the applying entity.

newgtlds@jprs.co.jp

AGB Q20. Address Line 1

Enter the street address (no PO Box).

8-5, Minamimoto-machi

AGB Q22. Locality

Enter the city, village, municipality, etc.

Shinjuku-ku

AGB Q23. State/Province/Region

Enter the state, province, department, territory, prefecture, oblast, etc., if applicable.

Tokyo

AGB Q24. Postal Code

1. Enter the postal code, if applicable. 2. If a postal code does not exist, type “Not Applicable”.

160-0012

AGB Q25. Country Code of Location

Section: Applying Entity Background and Organization

Section: Self-Certification

Section: Security Policy and Planning

Section: DNS Abuse

Provide a single document for Self-Certification question AGB Q221, Q5.2-1. The document must include only the SC5.2-1.1 through SC5.2-1.7 statements. Do not modify any of the Self-Certification statements. If the applicant cannot Self-Certify the SC5.2-1.1 through SC5.2-1.7 statements, provide a document that explains why the applying entity cannot Self-Certify the SC5.2-1.1 through SC5.2-1.7 statements.

AGB Q221. Q5.2-1 - Provide the applying entity’s self-certification document, signed by the CEO, President, CFO and/or equivalent officer of the applying entity. The self-certification document must represent and warrant: SC5.2-1.1 - The applying entity will, no later than delegation of the Top Level Domain (TLD), establish a dedicated abuse point of contact responsible for addressing matters requiring expedited attention and providing a timely response to abuse complaints concerning any name registered in the TLD. SC5.2-1.2 - The applying entity will, no later than delegation of the TLD, establish, publish, and provide to ICANN the location of a mechanism for members of the public to submit reports of abuse in accordance with the current obligations of the Base RA and any Consensus Policies. SC5.2-1.3 - The applying entity has developed proposed measures for removal of orphan glue records for names removed from the zone when provided with evidence in written form that the glue is present in connection with malicious conduct (see Specification 6). SC5.2-1.4 - The applying entity has or will have at time of delegation, established policies for handling complaints regarding abuse. Such policies are to be maintained and posted publicly so that anyone can review the policies via the Internet and any other means deemed appropriate by the applying entity. The applying entity’s policies at a minimum should contain appropriate confirmation of the receipt of the abuse report, the process of review of the report, and actions that will be taken if the applying entity confirms the report is legitimate. SC5.2-1.5 - The applying entity understands that DNS Abuse is Phishing, Malware, Botnets, Pharming and Spam (when used to deliver other forms of DNS Abuse). The applying entity understands and is prepared to contribute to the mitigation or disruption of DNS Abuse in domains in the TLD zone. SC5.2-1.6 - The applying entity’s abuse response capabilities are resourced appropriately to ensure a timely and adequate investigation and response to reports of DNS Abuse. This includes capabilities to receive and evaluate evidence of DNS Abuse in reports, and to take action to stop or disrupt the DNS Abuse. SC5.2-1.7 - The applying entity is prepared to conduct periodic scans of its zone to identify if domains are being used to perpetrate DNS Abuse, and to maintain statistical reports of the scans, the findings, and actions taken.

1. Provide a single document for Self-Certification question Q5.2-1. 2. The document must include only the SC5.2-1.1 through SC5.2-1.7 statements. 3. Do not modify any of the Self-Certification statements. 4. If the applying entity cannot Self-Certify the SC5.2-1.1 through SC5.2-1.7 statements, provide a document that explains why the applying entity cannot Self-Certify the SC5.2-1.1 through SC5.2-1.7 statements.

Has Documents

Section: Primary String

This question set collects basic information regarding the string that is being applied for (for example, a-label, meaning, script). If the applying entity opts to designate a replacement string, it must answer the same set of questions for the replacement string from the AGB Question Set 5 on.

AGB Q116. Applied-for Primary String (ASCII Label)

sokagakkai

AGB Q118. What is the meaning/definition of the applied-for gTLD string?

Provide the meaning, or restatement of the string in English, that is, a description of the literal meaning of the string in the opinion of the applying entity. If there is no literal meaning in English (for example, a brand name or a proper noun without a translation) simply state "No English Translation"

No English Translation

AGB Q120. Phonetic Representation

Provide a representation of the string according to the International Phonetic Alphabet.

soɯkagakːai

AGB Q121. As per Section 3(d) of Specification 11 of the Base Registry Agreement, a registry operator of a “generic string” may not impose eligibility criteria for registering names in the TLD that limit registrations exclusively to a single person or entity and/or that person’s or entity’s “Affiliates” (as defined in Section 2.9(c) of the Registry Agreement). “Generic String” means a string consisting of a word or term that denominates or describes a general class of goods, services, groups, organizations or things, as opposed to distinguishing a specific brand of goods, services, groups, organizations or things from those of others. Confirm that the applied-for string is not a “generic string” in which the applying entity intends to limit registrations exclusively to a single person or entity.

Confirm the statement using a checkbox.

true

AGB Q133. What is the mission and purpose of the applied-for gTLD?

1. Describe the mission and purpose of the applied-for gTLD, including the intended registrants and users, and the related activities that have been or will be carried out to achieve this purpose. 1a. If applying for a variant of an existing gTLD, please also describe the mission and purpose of the existing gTLD, including the intended registrants and users, and the related activities that have been or will be carried out to achieve this purpose. 2. Explain how this purpose is sustainable over time.

The mission and purpose of the gTLD "sokagakkai" (the "TLD") applied for in this application are to operate the TLD as a .brand TLD featuring the "sokagakkai" trademark of Soka Gakkai and to establish a trusted domain name space for websites, online services, and official online communications used by the applicant and its Affiliates. 1. Overview of the applicant and the trademark The Soka Gakkai is a global community-based Buddhist organization that promotes peace, culture and education centered on respect for the dignity of life. Its members study and put into practice the humanistic philosophy of Nichiren Buddhism. "sokagakkai" is a registered trademark of Soka Gakkai and is widely recognized in Japan and internationally as identifying Soka Gakkai and the activities it conducts. The applicant, Shinano Tatemono Sogo-Kanri Co., Ltd., is an Affiliate of Soka Gakkai that manages and operates facilities related to Soka Gakkai and will be responsible for the operation and administration of the TLD. 2. Intended registrants and users The TLD will be operated as a .brand TLD. Registration and use of domain names under the TLD will be limited to the applicant, Soka Gakkai, and their Affiliates, as well as trademark licensees of "sokagakkai" authorized by the applicant. 3. Mission and purpose of the TLD The purpose of the TLD consists primarily of the following three points. Purpose 1: Enhancing the trademark's online presence The applicant and its Affiliates will register domain names under the TLD incorporating the trademark and will use them on an ongoing basis for their online activities. This will increase the trademark's visibility. Purpose 2: Providing a trustworthy Internet environment The TLD will be operated as a .brand TLD with registrations limited to the applicant, Soka Gakkai, and their Affiliates, as well as applicant-authorized trademark licensees. This will make it easier for Internet users to identify domain names under the TLD as official resources used under the authorization of the applicant and its Affiliates, thereby reducing the likelihood of confusion or misunderstanding. Purpose 3: Mitigating domain-name-related security risks To reduce domain management and operational risks, including drop-catching, the applicant will operate the TLD under the applicant's control with restricted registrations. 4. Activities to achieve the purpose To achieve the purpose of the TLD, the applicant and its Affiliates expect to undertake the following activities: Promoting official use: Use domain names under the TLD for websites, online services, and official online communications provided by the applicant and its Affiliates, and inform stakeholders that domain names under the TLD are used as the official online resources of the applicant and its Affiliates. Establishing operational governance: Establish and implement unified internal rules for the TLD, including registration procedures, naming conventions, and permitted uses. 5. Sustainability of the purpose Because "sokagakkai," the trademark of Soka Gakkai, is expected to remain central to Soka Gakkai's activities over the long term, the TLD can continue to create value over time. In addition, domain-name-related risks, including drop-catching, are expected to remain ongoing challenges. Continued use of a .brand TLD will remain important from a security and user-protection perspective, as it helps mitigate such risks and makes it easier for Internet users to identify the official online resources of the applicant and its Affiliates.

Section: Safeguard Identification

This question set collects information related to determining whether certain Safeguard Public Interest Commitments (Safeguard PICs) are required for the applied-for gTLD string. See Section 7.8.2.3 Safeguard PICs. Answers to these questions will inform assessment by ICANN on whether and which Safeguard PICs must be incorporated in the applicable Registry Agreement (RA) if the string proceeds to delegation. The answers themselves will not automatically make such a determination.

AGB Q164. Will people see a domain name as more trustworthy because it is registered in your TLD? Think about how people around the world will understand the TLD string(s) in the application, including literal and informal meanings in different languages and regions.

1. When answering the questions, apply criteria by considering the meaning of the requested TLD string in the following contexts: a. Literally as described in the application b. Literally in any other language in which the string is a recognized word or phrase. c. Informally in any language or regional variant, where alternative meanings exist. 2. If the proverbial “reasonable person” who understands the relevant context believes that the question should be answered ‘yes’, then the answer is yes.

AGB Q165. Is it likely that consumers will face significant risks if domain names in the TLD(s) in the application are abused? Think about how people around the world will understand the TLD string(s) in the application, including literal and informal meanings in different languages and regions.

AGB Q166. Would people generally think that this TLD will be used by entities that require strict licensing or accreditation to do business? Think about how the TLD string(s) in the application will be understood around the world, including both literal and informal meanings in different languages and regions.

AGB Q167. Would most people think that (domains in) the TLD(s) in the application are used for activities that require regular government reporting, inspections, and oversight in various countries? Think about how the TLD string(s) in the application will be understood around the world, including both literal and informal meanings in different languages and regions.

AGB Q168. Could people reasonably believe that (domains in) your TLD will cause or lead to harassment, harm, aggression, complaints, criticism, distress, or embarrassment? Think about how the TLD string(s) in the application will be understood globally, including different languages and cultures.

1. When answering the questions, apply criteria by considering the meaning of the requested TLD string in the following contexts: a. Literally as described in the application b. Literally in any other language in which the string is a recognized word or phrase. c. Informally in any language or regional variant, where alternative meanings exist. I-2. If the proverbial “reasonable person” who understands the relevant context believes that the question should be answered ‘yes’, then the answer is yes.

AGB Q169. Would most people think that the TLD is used for something usually done by governments? Think about how the TLD string(s) in the application will be understood globally, including different languages and cultures.

1. When answering the questions, apply criteria by considering the meaning of the requested TLD string in the following contexts: a. Literally as described in the application b. Literally in any other language in which the string is a recognized word or phrase. c. Informally in any language or regional variant, where alternative meanings exist. I-2. If the proverbial “reasonable person” who understands the relevant context believes that the question should be answered ‘yes’, then the answer is yes.

AGB Q170. Are you proposing to include one or more of the Safeguard Public Interest Commitments (Safeguard PICs) in the Registry Agreement (RA) voluntarily regardless of ICANN’s Safeguard Assessment outcomes?

Select Yes or No. Notes: 1. ICANN will evaluate whether an applied-for gTLD string requires one or more Safeguard Public Interest Commitments (Safeguard PICs) to be included in the Base RA). 2. In addition to the Mandatory Public Interest Commitments (PICs) that must be included in each Base RA, a subset of Base RAs must include Safeguard PICs based on ICANN’s Safeguard Assessment. See Section 7.8.2.3 Safeguard PICs. 3. Applying entities for TLDs that are not found to require Safeguard PICs can elect to add them to the applicable Base RAs voluntarily to, for example, further their business objectives, help address issues or concerns that are raised or could be raised with respect to their applications, or avoid the need for the evaluation and implementation of customized Registry Voluntary Commitment (RVC). See Section 7.8.3 Registry Voluntary Commitments (RVCs).

Section: Registry Voluntary Commitments (RVCs)

This question set collects information related to any Registry Voluntary Commitments (RVCs) that the applying entity is submitting. The decision to submit an RVC is typically voluntary, except for those recognized by ICANN to resolve an objection or to address GAC Consensus Advice. See Section 7.8.3 Registry Voluntary Commitments for more information.

AGB Q172. Are you proposing to include one or more Registry Voluntary Commitments (RVCs) in the Registry Agreement (RA) that are unique to your applied-for string?

1. Select Yes or No. 2. In addition to Safeguard Public Interest Commitments (PICs), an applying entity will be permitted to propose one or more Registry Voluntary Commitments (RVCs) to provide additional safeguards with regard to the registry operator’s operation of an applied-for gTLD string. See Section 7.8.3 Registry Voluntary Commitments (RVCs). 3. RVCs are separate from Community Registration Policies. See Section 7.8.3 Registry Voluntary Commitments (RVCs) and Section 7.8.4 Community Registration Policies for more information. If you are applying for a Community gTLD, please submit the Community Registration Policies by answering Questions 150-155. However, if you propose to include additional Registry Voluntary Commitments in the RA beyond the Community Registration Policies, you may answer "yes" and proceed to answer the following questions. 4. You are encouraged to consider whether there are other means, separate from including commitment(s) in the Base RA, that could be used to further your business objectives or help resolve any anticipated or actual issue(s) raised regarding the applied-for gTLD string or application. See Section 7.8.3 Registry Voluntary Commitments (RVCs). Notes: If you select “yes” to this question, you are required to pay the conditional Registry Commitments Evaluation fee, and commitments that are approved by ICANN will be included in Specification 11 of the applicable Base RA as specific voluntary public interest commitments as contractual obligations.

Section: Brand & Code of Conduct Exemptions

This question set collects information related to whether the applied-for gTLD string is a .Brand (see Section 7.3) or if the applying entity is seeking a Code of Conduct exemption (see Section 7.4).

AGB Q179. Are you applying for a Brand TLD?

Select Yes or No

Yes

AGB Q180. The applying entity confirms that the applied-for gTLD string meets the Brand TLD criteria as described in Section 9.3 of Specification 13. The applying entity also confirms their understanding of contractual obligation to maintain Brand TLD status and communicate changes in registration policies that could potentially disqualify the TLD as a Brand TLD.

Select Yes or No. Notes: If the applying entity selects “no,” it will be required to provide additional documentation describing which criteria is not met as well as a justification for the TLD to nonetheless qualify as a .Brand TLD.

Yes

AGB Q181. Submit Trademark Certificate

Attach an accurate and complete copy of the applicable trademark registration that forms the basis of the request for .Brand TLD qualification.

Has Documents

AGB Q183. The applying entity confirms that this applied-for string is not a “generic string” as defined in Section 3(d) of Specification 11 of the Base RA, which prohibits generic TLDs from being operated on an exclusive basis.

Confirm statement with a checkbox.

true

AGB Q184. No Specification 11 Conflicts

Explain how the applying entity intends to operate the TLD such that there would not exist any such conflict with Section 3(d) of Specification 11.

The applied-for string "sokagakkai" is a unique name that identifies "Soka Gakkai," which is an Affiliate of the applicant (as "Affiliate" is defined in the Base Registry Agreement), and is not a term that denominates a general class of goods or services. In addition, the applied-for string "sokagakkai" is a registered trademark of Soka Gakkai, which is an Affiliate of the applicant, and fully meets the .Brand TLD criteria defined in Specification 13, Section 9. The string is (i) identical to the textual elements of Soka Gakkai's registered trademark "sokagakkai," (ii) actually used by Soka Gakkai in the ordinary course of its business, as shown here: https://www.sokaglobal.org/about-the-soka-gakkai.html, and (iii) supported by a trademark registration issued prior to the filing of this TLD application (registration date: 2001-03-26; record: https://www.tmdn.org/tmview/#/tmview/detail/EM500000001468255). The trademark is also recorded with the Trademark Clearinghouse (TMCH) and associated with a valid SMD file. Accordingly, because the applied-for string satisfies all Specification 13 criteria, it is not a Generic String under Specification 11. Therefore, Specification 11, Section 3(d) does not apply. To ensure that the applied-for string continues to qualify as a .Brand TLD and thus remains outside the scope of Specification 11, Section 3(d), the applicant will conduct at least one annual internal review in accordance with Specification 13, Section 7 and will submit the review results together with an officer's certification to ICANN within 20 calendar days after each calendar year. The applicant will also promptly notify ICANN in writing of any change that could affect .Brand qualification, as required by Specification 13, Section 8.

Application Details

Application Responses

Section: Applying Entity Information

Section: Applying Entity Background and Organization

Section: Self-Certification

Section: Security Policy and Planning

Section: DNS Abuse

Section: Primary String

Section: Safeguard Identification

Section: Registry Voluntary Commitments (RVCs)

Section: Brand & Code of Conduct Exemptions

Section: Additional Information and Supporting Materials

Section: Bona Fide Intent and Prohibited Communications