Based on the literature published between 1924 and 2016, a checklist is compiled for the 18 nominal species and six unidentified species in six genera (Colobomatus, Ichthyotaces, Lernaeascus, Philichthys, Procolobomatus, and Sarcotaces) of the copepod family Philichthyidae from Japanese fishes. This checklist contains information for each taxon regarding its host(s), attachment site(s), known geographical distribution in Japanese waters, and references. A host-parasite list is also given.