Ever felt like you had the perfect idea for a blog, online store, or portfolio; but didn’t take the first step because of the cost? You’re not alone. At BuzzSpot, we’ve talked to countless dreamers and doers who hesitated at the thought of buying a domain name. It seems like such a small thing, but that $10 to $20 barrier can quietly stop you before you even begin.
But what if we told you there’s a legit way to skip that cost entirely?
That’s right; you can actually get a free domain name, and not from some sketchy pop-up offer either. We’re talking about Onamae, one of Japan’s most trusted domain registrars. And even if you live in the U.S., there’s a way to make it work for you.
This post is your roadmap (no tech jargon, no fluff) just a straightforward guide to getting your free domain and starting the online presence you’ve been putting off.
What Is Onamae? Japan’s Leading Domain Provider
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s start with the what. Onamae.com is one of the biggest domain registrars in Japan, operated by the trusted tech giant GMO Internet Group. If you're in the U.S., you may not have heard of them, but in Asia, Onamae is the go-to choice for millions of businesses, bloggers, and entrepreneurs looking to register domain names fast and securely.
Founded in 1999, Onamae was actually one of the first ICANN-accredited registrars in Asia; meaning it’s fully legit and meets global standards for domain registration. While their platform is primarily in Japanese, many savvy users (including those outside Japan) are tapping into Onamae’s services to access competitive prices, niche domain extensions, and yes; even free domain name deals.
So why is Onamae worth your attention? Because unlike many U.S.-based registrars that lock promos behind expensive hosting plans, Onamae frequently offers domain-only deals, making it ideal for budget-conscious creators who just need a name to get started.
The Onamae Free Domain Offer: What’s the Catch?
Let’s get real; “free” on the internet doesn’t always mean free. That’s why we took a deep dive into Onamae’s domain offer to find out what you actually get, what strings are attached (if any), and whether it’s worth your time.
Here’s What the Free Domain Deal Really Includes:
Onamae frequently runs promotions that let you register a .com, .net, or .jp domain for free; at least for the first year. This makes it a fantastic opportunity for anyone who wants to secure a brand name or project title without upfront investment.
You’ll typically find these offers:
- Right on the homepage (in Japanese, but Google Translate works well)
- During seasonal campaigns (like New Year, Golden Week, or tech sales events)
- Targeted toward first-time registrants only
Eligibility: Can U.S. Residents Use This Offer?
Yes, with a small workaround.
Since Onamae is a Japanese platform, some offers (like .jp domains) technically require a Japanese address. But there’s good news: Onamae provides a “Local Presence” service, meaning they’ll allow you to use their business address to meet local requirements.
So if you're in the U.S., here's what that means:
- You can still register a free domain, even if you're not based in Japan.
- You may need to tick an option allowing Onamae to act as your local presence.
- Some domain extensions like .jp may require additional steps, but .com and .net are usually open to all.
Is It Really Free? What About Renewal Fees?
Here’s the fine print you need to know:
- First year: $0 (100% free if you catch the promo)
- Renewal: Typically $10–$15 for .com/.net and up to $30 for .jp
(Note: Rates can vary slightly based on the current yen-to-dollar exchange.)
So while the domain is free upfront, you will need to pay the regular renewal fee to keep it past the first year. That’s still a solid value compared to many other registrars that charge both registration and renewal right away.
How To Get A Free Domain Name on Onamae
So you're convinced, Onamae sounds like a solid deal. But now comes the big question: how do you actually register a free domain on a Japanese site from the U.S.?
Don’t worry; we’ve got you. This step-by-step walkthrough will help you navigate Onamae.com like a pro, even if you don’t speak Japanese.
Step 1: Open Onamae.com and Use a Translation Tool
1. Go to https://www.onamae.com/
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| Onamae.com |
2. If you’re using Google Chrome, right-click and select “Translate to English”.
(This will auto-translate the site and make it easier to follow along)
Note: The translations aren’t perfect, but they’re more than enough to get through the process smoothly.
Step 2: Search for Your Domain
1. Use the search bar on the homepage to type in your desired domain.
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| Search for Your Domain |
2. Look for extensions like .com, .net, or even .jp if you're targeting a Japan-based audience.
3. If the domain is available, it will show up with pricing (which should show as ¥0 or “free” for promo offers).
Step 3: Create an Account
1. Click “Proceed to Registration” or similar prompt
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| Create an Account |
2. Enter your details (name, email, phone number)
Step 4: Verify Your Email and Finalize Checkout
1. You’ll receive a confirmation email; click the link to verify your registration.
2. Complete the checkout (total should be ¥0 if the promo applies)
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| Complete The Checkout |
Note: A credit card is required.
3. Save your domain control panel login details; you’ll need them to manage DNS or connect your domain to Blogger, WordPress, etc.
And just like that, you’ve registered a free domain name through Onamae.
Final Thoughts: Is Free Domain Deal Worth It?
In a world full of hidden fees and marketing gimmicks, Onamae stands out for offering a genuinely free domain name; without forcing you into expensive hosting or limited platforms.
Whether you’re a first-time blogger on Blogspot, a side hustler setting up a WordPress site, or someone testing the waters with a new brand idea, Onamae gives you the freedom to launch your digital presence without financial pressure.
At BuzzSpot, we know how powerful that first step can be. A domain name isn’t just an URL; it’s your voice, your brand, your starting line. And with Onamae, that starting line is closer (and cheaper) than you might think.
Ready to Claim Your Free Domain? Here’s What to Do:
- Visit Onamae.com
- Use Google Translate to navigate
- Register your desired domain
- Follow our guide to connect it to Blogger or WordPress
- Launch your site, and own your space online
No more excuses. Your blog, business, or personal brand deserves to exist; and now, it doesn’t have to cost a thing to get started.