The GMO Registry will was selected to operate the new Okinanawan gTLDs .okinawa and .ryukyu .GMO Registry will provide application assistance,backend operations and marketing support for the new gTLDs .
You can read the press release after the jump :
"GMO Internet Group company GMO Registry, today announces it has been selected to provide application assistance, backend operations, and marketing support for the proposed new geographic gTLDS, .okinawa and .ryukyu.
Internet governing body, ICANN is set to expand the existing generic top level domain space currently limited to just 22 domains. Applications may open within the year and are expected to attract interest from regional governments, global brands, corporations, and special interest groups worldwide.
Okinawa is the southernmost prefecture of Japan, and its sub tropical climate and beautiful ocean surrounds make it a popular tourist destination. The Ryukyu Islands are a chain of islands in the west pacific governed by Okinawa prefecture. Eight Okinawan businesses have come together to invest in the establishment of new registry company DotRyukyu (expected to be complete in August). GMO Registry has been chosen to partner with the new registry to provide support during the application process, and to build and operate its backend systems. The two companies will also engage in joint marketing.
GMO Registry will also partner with Canon, Inc. and Hitachi, Inc. to help the two companies secure their respective brands as gTLDs when the first round of applications opens. DotRyukyu has chosen to work together with GMO Internet Group company GMO Registry in order to benefit from the entire group’s industry experience, and strong technology.
GMO Registry
GMO Registry was established in 2009 to provide all-in registry solutions including application assistance, system architecture, back-end operation, and marketing support for new generic Top Level Domains. The company also operates ccTLDs and is working to secure the new gTLD .shop. With DotShop GMO Registry aims to provide a dedicated namespace for ecommerce businesses worldwide.
GMO Internet Group
GMO Internet Group is a leading force in the Internet industry offering one of the most comprehensive ranges of Internet services worldwide. The group is the top provider of domain registration, web hosting, ecommerce, and payment processing solutions in Japan and operates a host of other Internet services including global online security services, search engine marketing and online securities trading. At the center of the group is GMO Internet, Inc. (TSE: 9449) headquartered in Tokyo, Japan."