Japan Zengin Code Lookup
Find the 4-digit Zengin bank code and 3-digit branch code for any Japanese bank. 63 branches across 24 banks including MUFG, Mizuho, SMBC, and online banks. Free, instant.
Japan Post Bank uses a unique account numbering system not compatible with standard Zengin format for domestic bank-to-bank transfers. When sending money from another Japanese bank to Yucho, you need to convert the Yucho account number into the correct "transfer account number" format. For international inbound wires, Yucho does accept SWIFT transfers. Contact your local post office or Yucho bank for the specific conversion formula for your account type.
- Recipient full name (English or katakana)
- Bank account number (usually 7 digits for Japanese banks)
- Account type: Futsu (ordinary) or Toza (current)
- Bank name:
- Branch name and Zengin branch code:
- SWIFT code (for international wires):
- 7-digit combined code:
Sending or receiving money in Japan?
Compare live JPY transfer rates before you send. Wise and SBI Remit are popular for Japan transfers.
What Is a Zengin Code?
A Zengin code is a 4-digit numeric code that uniquely identifies a Japanese bank within the Zengin System, Japan's domestic interbank wire transfer network. Combined with a 3-digit branch code, it forms the 7-digit routing number used for all domestic JPY bank transfers in Japan.
The codes are assigned and maintained by the Japanese Bankers Association (Zenginkyo). Every bank participating in Japan's domestic payment infrastructure has at least one Zengin code, from major city banks like MUFG and Mizuho to regional banks and newer online banks.
What Is the Zengin System?
The Zengin System (全銀システム — Zenginkyo Data Telecommunications System) is Japan's core interbank electronic funds transfer network. Operated by the Japanese Bankers Association, it handles virtually all domestic yen transfers between Japanese bank accounts.
Launched in 1973 and continuously upgraded, the Zengin System processes hundreds of millions of transactions annually. In 2018, it expanded to 24/7 near-real-time settlement for domestic transfers, making Japan one of the first major economies to offer round-the-clock instant bank payments. The system connects over 1,000 financial institutions including city banks, regional banks, credit unions, and online banks.
How Zengin Codes Are Structured
Every Zengin routing code follows a consistent 7-digit format. Understanding the structure helps you verify any code you receive:
Identifies the financial institution. All Japanese bank codes begin with 0. Major banks: 0001 Mizuho, 0005 MUFG, 0009 SMBC, 0010 Resona. Japan Post Bank is 9900 (unique exception).
Identifies the specific branch. 001 is almost always the head office. Regional branches are numbered sequentially. Some online banks only have one branch (001).
Major Japanese Banks: Zengin Codes at a Glance
| Bank Code | Bank (English) | Bank (Japanese) | SWIFT Code | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0001 | Mizuho Bank | みずほ銀行 | MHCBJPJT | City Bank |
| 0005 | MUFG Bank (Mitsubishi UFJ) | 三菱UFJ銀行 | BOTKJPJT | City Bank |
| 0009 | SMBC (Sumitomo Mitsui) | 三井住友銀行 | SMBCJPJT | City Bank |
| 0010 | Resona Bank | りそな銀行 | DIWAJPJT | City Bank |
| 0030 | AEON Bank | イオン銀行 | AEONJPJT | Specialised |
| 0033 | PayPay Bank | PayPay銀行 | PYBKJPJT | Online |
| 0035 | Sony Bank | ソニー銀行 | SNYBJTJ1 | Online |
| 0036 | Rakuten Bank | 楽天銀行 | RAKTJPJT | Online |
| 0038 | SBI Sumishin Net Bank | SBI住信ネット銀行 | NTSSJPJT | Online |
| 0397 | Shinsei Bank | 新生銀行 | LITEJTJS | City Bank |
| 9900 | Japan Post Bank (Yucho) | ゆうちょ銀行 | JPSTJPJT | Postal |
How Zengin Codes Work in Bank Transfers
When you initiate a domestic bank transfer in Japan, the sending bank uses the Zengin code to identify and route the payment to the correct receiving bank and branch through the Zengin System's clearing infrastructure:
In your Japanese bank app: recipient name (katakana), bank code (4 digits), branch code (3 digits), account type, and account number.
The 4-digit bank code is checked against the Zengin participant list. Invalid codes are rejected immediately before any funds move.
Your bank sends a standardised payment message to the receiving bank via the Zengin network. Since 2018, most domestic transfers settle in real time 24/7.
The receiving bank credits the account. During banking hours, transfers are near-instant. Outside hours, most are completed within the next business window.
(Japan Bank)
System
Bank
Account
How to Receive an International Wire Transfer into a Japanese Bank Account
International transfers to Japan use SWIFT, not Zengin. To receive an international wire, give your sender all of the following:
- Your bank name (in English, e.g. MUFG Bank)
- Your bank SWIFT/BIC code (e.g. BOTKJPJT for MUFG)
- Branch name (the branch where your account is held)
- Branch code (3-digit Zengin branch code, e.g. 001)
- Your account number (7 digits for most Japanese banks)
- Account type: Futsu (ordinary / savings) or Toza (current / checking)
- Your full name as it appears on your account
Zengin Code vs SWIFT Code vs IBAN
| Feature | Zengin Code | SWIFT Code | IBAN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 4 digits (bank) + 3 digits (branch) | 8 or 11 characters | 15 to 34 characters |
| Used for | Domestic JPY transfers within Japan | International wire transfers | European bank account ID |
| Required in Japan | Yes, for domestic transfers | Yes, for international wires | Not used in Japan |
| Operated by | Japanese Bankers Association | SWIFT (Belgium) | ISO standard |
| Example | 0005021 | BOTKJPJT | GB29 NWBK 6016 1331 9268 19 |
Online Banks in Japan: A Guide for Expats
Several newer online-only banks have become popular with foreign residents in Japan due to their English-language interfaces, competitive transfer fees, and easier account opening requirements. Each has its own Zengin code:
Japan Post Bank (Yucho): Special Considerations
Japan Post Bank (ゆうちょ銀行, Yucho Ginko) is one of the largest banks in Japan by deposits, with over 24,000 ATMs nationwide. Its Zengin code is 9900. However, it operates differently from other Japanese banks in several important ways:
- Account number format: Yucho uses a "symbol and number" (kigo-bango) system internally. When receiving transfers from other Japanese banks via Zengin, the account must first be converted to a standard 7-digit account number. The branch code for this is usually 108 or a branch code derived from your symbol number.
- International transfers: Yucho does accept incoming international wire transfers via SWIFT. The SWIFT code is JPSTJPJT. However, not all foreign banks can send directly to Yucho, and some transfers require correspondent bank routing.
- ATM network: Yucho ATMs accept many international cards (Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus) making it useful for cash withdrawal while in Japan even without a Yucho account.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using a Zengin code for an international transfer
Zengin codes only work within Japan. Telling an overseas bank to use your "0005021" code will cause the transfer to fail. For international transfers, always provide the SWIFT code.
Wrong account type (Futsu vs Toza)
Japanese bank forms require you to specify account type. Futsu (ordinary, for savings and regular accounts) is by far the most common. Toza (current/checking) is mainly for businesses. Selecting the wrong type will cause the transfer to be returned.
Name in wrong format
For domestic Zengin transfers, the recipient name must match the account name exactly in katakana (e.g. タナカ タロウ for Taro Tanaka). For international wires, use the Roman alphabet version. Mismatches cause transfers to be returned or held.
Is it safe to share a Zengin code?
Yes. Zengin bank codes and branch codes are public information, listed on bank websites and in official directories. Sharing them carries no security risk. They identify the bank and branch, not your account or personal details. Your account number provides the individual account identifier.
