Upcoming TLDs / .neko
Can you register a .neko domain?
Source: ICANN 2026 round applications, checked October 27, 2026. Not in the IANA root zone as of October 26, 2026.
What .neko would mean
In their own words, from the public part of each application (question 118):
"Neko" is the Japanese word for "cat." The term is recognized internationally through Japanese pop culture, anime, manga, social media, cat cafés, and consumer products, and used to refer to cats and cat-themed content, services, and communities.
Who applied for .neko
Interlink Systems Innovation Institute K.K.
JP, stage: Pre-Evaluation Processing
Interlink Systems Innovation Institute K.K. (the “Applicant”) is applying for .neko to establish a globally recognizable namespace for cat culture and cat-related activity on the Internet. The applied-for gTLD string “.neko” (/ne.ko/) comes from the Japanese word for “cat,” highlighting Japan’s cultural and linguistic heritage while connecting to the universal popularity of cats.
What happens next
- April 30, 2026: Application window opened (done)
- August 12, 2026: Application window closed (done)
- October 7, 2026: Reveal Day: ICANN published every applied-for string (done)
- October 21, 2026: Replacement period ended (applicants could switch to a backup string) (done)
- November 17, 2026: String Confirmation Day: the final list of applied-for strings
- March 16, 2027: Community input and objections period ends
Dates from ICANN’s Reveal Day announcement, checked October 27, 2026. We re-check the applications every day and this page changes when they do.
When will .neko be available?
ICANN has not set a date. The final list of applied-for strings comes on String Confirmation Day (November 17, 2026), community input and objections run until March 16, 2027, and ICANN processes applications after a prioritization draw in 2027. Registration opens only after ICANN delegates .neko and its registry announces launch dates.