Before I get flamed for not mailing ip-providers@ripe.net I should say that I am not clear if that list extends to outside of Europe hence my mailing ripe@ripe.net. I have been asked by a UK company with Japanese contacts if Japan can offer public IP facilities, so that a user in the UK could speak IP with a Japanese site. I have no clear indication of the commercial/research/academic status of the Japanese site, so a general reply stating the alternatives would be appreciated. All information gratefully received. Peter Houlder