Countries / Japan

Japan

Japan's AI Promotion Act (in force 2025) is a light-touch framework law without fines, operationalised through a Cabinet AI Basic Plan and voluntary government guidelines.

AI framework lawApproach
4Rules tracked
1Binding and in force
0Upcoming deadlines

Latest developments in Japan

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In force (4)

  • AI Promotion Act (AI Act)
    LawNational Diet; Cabinet Office (AI Strategy Headquarters)Binding

    Japan's first AI statute: a promotion-focused framework law that sets basic principles, creates the AI Strategy Headquarters chaired by the Prime Minister, mandates an AI Basic Plan, and lets the government investigate serious incidents and issue guidance, request cooperation and publicise misuse. It imposes no direct fines on businesses.

    In forceEffective 4 Jun 2025
  • AI Basic Plan
    StrategyCabinet (decision) / AI Strategy HeadquartersNon-binding

    Statutory national plan under Article 18 of the AI Promotion Act (Act No. 53 of 2025) setting government AI policy measures. The Cabinet adopted the second plan ('Japan AI Transformation') on 14 Jul 2026, replacing the first plan adopted on 23 Dec 2025.

    In forceEffective 14 Jul 2026
  • AI Appropriateness Guideline
    GuidelineAI Strategy Headquarters (Cabinet Office)Non-binding

    Guideline adopted by the AI Strategy Headquarters under the AI Promotion Act setting out what developers, providers and users should do to ensure AI is developed and used appropriately, drawing on the Hiroshima AI Process principles.

    In forceEffective 19 Dec 2025
  • AI Guidelines for Business
    GuidelineMinistry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC)Non-binding

    Voluntary, living guidelines for AI developers, providers and business users in Japan covering common principles and role-specific practices. Version 1.2 was published on 31 Mar 2026, updating v1.0 (Apr 2024) and v1.1 (Mar 2025).

    In forceEffective 31 Mar 2026

What the rules require

Obligation types found across Japan's instruments. Filled dot: imposed by a binding instrument. Ring: guidance only.

Risk classificationAI Appropriateness Guideline, AI Guidelines for Business
Transparency to usersAI Appropriateness Guideline, AI Guidelines for Business
Human oversightAI Appropriateness Guideline, AI Guidelines for Business
Data governanceAI Guidelines for Business
Bias and non-discriminationAI Guidelines for Business
Security testingAI Appropriateness Guideline, AI Guidelines for Business
Government use of AIAI Promotion Act (AI Act), AI Basic Plan

Timeline