Japan, Kumamoto-ken, Samurai Koseki - FamilySearch Historical Records

What is in This Collection?
This collection contains koseki (household registration) of the Samurai class in Kumamoto County. The records are similar to a census as it is arranged by household, but contains extensive vital statistical information on all persons in the household. Nation-wide registration began in 1872.

Reading These Records
These records are in Japanese. For help reading these records see Glossary of Japanese Genealogical Terms.

What Can These Records Tell Me?
The following information may be found in these records:
 * Person's name
 * Residence

How Do I Analyze the Results?
Compare each result from your search with what you know to determine if there is a match. This may require viewing multiple records or images. Keep track of your research in a research log.

I Found the Person I Was Looking For, What Now?

 * Add the new information to your records
 * Use the information to find the person in other records
 * Analyze the entry to see if it provides additional clues to find other records of the person or their family

I Can’t Find the Person I’m Looking For, What Now?

 * The person may be recorded with an abbreviated or variant form of their name
 * Information on married women may be included with their husband
 * Single women may not be named, but identified only as a female in the household

Research Helps
The following articles will help you in your research for your family in Japan.
 * Record Finder
 * Japan Research Tips and Strategies

Citing This Collection
Citations help you keep track of places you have searched and sources you have found. Identifying your sources helps others find the records you used.