Ransomware Research

Japan Ransomware

Japan is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on May 1, 2022, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.

Quick facts

Ransomware Family
Japan
First Seen
May 1, 2022

How Japan ransomware works

File encryption patterns

Japan modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:

Extensions added after encryption
.japan

Ransom note and payment demands

After encrypting files, Japan displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:

filehow to decrypt.txt
notes/how to decrypt.txt
Location: EveryFolder

Technical indicators

Associated executable files

The following executable files are associated with Japan ransomware:

About this analysis

This Japan ransomware analysis is part of Elastio's comprehensive ransomware detection database. Elastio provides advanced ransomware protection and recovery, helping organizations defend against and recover from ransomware attacks like Japan.

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Detection coverage

Elastio detects Japan inside your data and backups.

The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify Japan across live data, replicated data, and backups. If this family is in your environment, Elastio finds it before encryption completes. Run a scan against your recovery points to confirm.

See How the Hunt Engine WorksRequest a Demo

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