The top-level domain (TLD) you mentioned, NHK, seems to create some confusion as it is actually associated with Nippon Hōsō Kyōkai, the Japan Broadcasting Corporation, better known as NHK, which is a state-owned public broadcaster in Japan.
However, at the time of writing this content, NHK is not a recognized top-level domain (TLD) in the domain naming system of the internet, according to the list compiled by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA). Top-level domains are the highest level in the hierarchical Domain Name System (DNS) of the internet, represented by the last part of a domain name. Popular examples of generic top-level domains (gTLDs) include .com, .org, .edu, etc., while .jp is the country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Japan (Domain Name Registration, 2021).
Currently, there are hundreds of available TLDs and the list continues to grow as the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), the organization responsible for managing the DNS, opens up new TLD applications periodically. Any established public or private organization anywhere in the world can apply to create and operate a new TLD registry. According to The ICANN Applicant Guidebook, “Top-level domains can be based on generic (gTLD) terms (.music, .news), brands (.google, .apple), communities (.gay, .bank), or geographic or territorial ideas (.nyc, .london, .africa)” (ICANN, 2012). Nevertheless, as mentioned above, .nhk is presently not one of the listed TLDs.
Relating NHK to the context of domain names, several online sources include WHOIS information for nhk.jp and other domains associated with the name NHK. This redirect to the official NHK homepage, run by the Japan Broadcasting Corporation. Due to NHK being a well-known organization in Japan, the usage of ‘nhk’ within a domain name such as ‘nhk.jp’ could be recognized and easily associated with the corporation by the average Japanese internet user (WHOIS, 2021).
Based on the information above, please be aware that it is crucial to always verify before purchasing any domain names. Reaching out to ICANN or accredited domain name registrars can provide trustworthy advice and ensure that a TLD is valid and suitable for your organization.
Sources:
Internet Assigned Numbers Authority. “Root Zone Database.” Accessed on 24 Dec 2021, https://www.iana.org/domains/root/db
Domain Name Registration (2021). “The Different Types of Domain Names.” Accessed on 24th Dec 2021, https://domainnameregistration.com/blog/the-different-types-of-domain-names/
ICANN (2012). “Applicant Guidebook.” Accessed on 24th Dec 2021, https://newgtlds.icann.org/en/applicants/agb/guidebook-full-04jun12-en.pdf
WHOIS (2021). “NHK Domain Registration By Whois.” Accessed on 24th Dec 2021, https://whois.stsoftware.biz/nhk.shtml
