http://worldwide.espacenet.com/

EspaceNet has just been upgraded, access is provided at http://worldwide.espacenet.com/ this link allows access to the EPO's worldwide database which covers most material.

Each country provides a further database covering their own patents. This database is believed to cover only TWO YEARS worth of data.

EspaceNet provides a database which covers Japanese patent applications made by Japanese applicants. Again this is at http://worldwide.espacenet.com/

Images from JP 48025001 (April 1974)
Bibliographic Information from JP 51127546 (November 1976)
Bibliographic Information and first page images from JP 59010001 (January 1984)

Entry format is JPYYNNNNNN or JPYNNNNNN. Where YY is the year of the Emperor's reign.