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Keys to the subfamilies and genera of Japanese ants based on the males are presented with scanning electron micrographs and illustrations. The keys cover all 7 subfamilies and 46 out of 56 genera distributed in Japan. Characters of mandibles, antennal sockets, flagellum, pedicel, occipital carina, notauli, scuto-scutellar suture, metapleural gland orifices, propodeal spiracles, abdominal segments II, III, and IV, and hind tibial spurs are useful to separate among the genera. Hair condition on vertex may be useful to distinguish between Pyramica and Strumigenys.