.ryukyu

Status:	Proposed
country:	Japan, International
Registry Provider:	GMO Registry
Registry:	BRregistry, Inc.
Registry Backend:	GMO Registry
Type:	Generic
Priority #:	1259
More information:

.ryukyu is a proposed new gTLD being applied for in ICANN's new gTLD program. Two entities, BusinessRalliart and GMO Registry, and both entities also declared intentions to apply for .okinawa as well. Furthermore, both companies are included in a list of 4 Japanese companies that have received approval from the Government of Osaka to apply and run .osaka.

In the end, BusinessRalliart was the only applicant for .ryukyu and .okinawa.

Business Railliart has announced that investors in its bid for .ryukyu and .okinawa include a well-known Okinawan and Japanese rental car service and a restaurant chain.

The Ryukyu Islands are a string of islands located in Southwestern Japan, the largest of the islands is Okinawa.

The name was applied for as a GeoTLD, which includes obtaining the respective government support, but ICANN deemed that the term in question does not in fact refer to a geographic area as defined by its standards. The ruling was made by the Geographic Names Panel, and has no necessarily overt, negative repercussions for the application.

Application Details

The following is excerpted from the applicant's response to question #18:

"In modern Japanese context, Ryukyu generally refers to the Okinawa Prefecture. It is also known in Japanese as Ryukyu Islands, Nansei Islands, and Ryukyu Arc. Okinawa Prefecture has historic links, in terms of administrative extent, to the Ryukyu Kingdom, Ryukyu-han, and government of Ryukyu Islands. Ryukyu is surrounded by the clean oceans and nature, and has a subtropical climate, with its own unique history, traditions, languages, and cultures. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations offering recreational and marine activities in Japan.

[Mission and Purpose] The mission and purpose of .ryukyu are as follows:

• To establish an online presence for Okinawa;
• To provide a better, easy, secure, and meaningful name space for communication; and
• To contribute to the development of Okinawa.

The Applicant strongly believes that it is important to extend the global reach and mindshare of .ryukyu domain names in order to achieve the stated mission and purpose. Therefore, second level domain names under the TLD are open for registration to everyone. The Applicant will strive to maintain industry leading service levels, innovate and deliver a superior user experience associated with the TLD, bringing benefits to Okinawa, registrants, and Internet users."