Cross-Border Data Transfers: The APPI has specific rules for transferring personal information outside of Japan, including the requirement for the recipient country to have an adequate level of data protection or for the data controller to implement appropriate safeguards.
Under the APPI, creating or publicly disseminating a "phone number library" of individuals without their explicit, informed consent for each listed number would be a direct violation, potentially leading to enforcement actions and penalties by the PPC.
While individual phone number libraries are not a reality, businesses and individuals can ethically find contact information through these legitimate and privacy-compliant channels:
Japanese Business Directories (Yellow Pages):
Japan Yellow Pages This is the pakistan phone number library official English-language Yellow Pages for Japan, primarily listing businesses, their phone numbers, fax numbers, email addresses, and URLs. It's a key resource for finding commercial contacts.
iTOWNPAGE (Japanese Version): Similar to the Yellow Pages, iTOWNPAGE is a widely used online business directory in Japan.
JETRO's Experts Finder: The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) provides an "Experts Finder" directory on its website (jetro.go.jp) to help foreign businesses find professionals and service providers in Japan who cater to international companies. This includes various business service providers with their contact details.
Kompass Japan: An international business directory with a significant presence in Japan, providing detailed listings for businesses, often categorized by industry and location.
Global Database: Commercial platforms like Global Database claim to offer comprehensive business directories for Japan, including phone numbers. Businesses using such services should ensure the data is ethically sourced and that their use complies with the APPI.
Official Company Websites: The most direct and reliable source for a specific company's phone number is its official website. Most Japanese companies maintain a strong online presence with a "Contact Us" or similar section.
Government and Public Institution Websites: Japanese government ministries, public agencies, and municipal offices (e.g., City of Osaka website) provide official contact numbers on their respective websites. Emergency numbers (e.g., 110 for Police, 119 for Ambulance/Fire) are widely known.