GMO internet group: the history behind its technology business

GMO Internet Group traces its origin to Voice Media, founded in Japan on 24 May 1991. It moved into internet-access services under the interQ name in the mid-1990s as commercial internet adoption accelerated.

How GMO internet group developed

The group launched domain-registration service Onamae.com in 1999 and expanded into hosting, infrastructure, advertising, payments and other online services through new businesses and acquisitions. Corporate names changed as the group broadened beyond its original access-provider role.

GMO internet group in 2026

By 2026, GMO Internet Group operated across internet infrastructure, domains and hosting, payments and other online technology services through a large group of companies.

Why the history matters

Its development mirrors Japan’s internet economy from dial-up access through domains, e-commerce infrastructure, payments and cloud-era services.