Verified against the official source 26 Sep 2026 · reviewed by Bhaskar Bhatt (a factual check against the official source, not a legal review or legal advice)What this label means
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Japan has 3 recorded AI policy instruments, 1 of them binding and 1 in force. Instruments on record: AI Guidelines for Business (2024, guidance); Act on Promotion of Research and Development, and Utilization of Artificial Intelligence-related Technology (2025, act, in force); Artificial Intelligence Basic Plan (2025, strategy, adopted).
The AI Guidelines for Business consolidate Japan's previous AI R&D, utilisation and governance guidelines into a single non-binding document addressed to AI developers, providers and business users. Japan's first AI-specific statute establishes basic principles and a governmental framework for promoting AI research, development and use. The AI Basic Plan is the national strategy required under Article 18 of the 2025 AI Act.
What is the current regulatory status?
Instruments on record: AI Guidelines for Business (2024, guidance); Act on Promotion of Research and Development, and Utilization of Artificial Intelligence-related Technology (2025, act, in force); Artificial Intelligence Basic Plan (2025, strategy, adopted). Each is linked to its official source; human verification pending.
Binding rules versus guidance
Binding: Act on Promotion of Research and Development, and Utilization of Artificial Intelligence-related Technology. Strategy or guidance: AI Guidelines for Business, Artificial Intelligence Basic Plan.
Act on Promotion of Research and Development, and Utilization of Artificial Intelligence-related Technology (Act No. 53 of 2025)
Japan's first AI-specific statute establishes basic principles and a governmental framework for promoting AI research, development and use. It creates an AI Strategy Headquarters under the Cabinet, requires the government to adopt an AI Basic Plan, and provides for guidelines, information gathering and investigation of cases where AI infringes rights, together with guidance to businesses and the public. Businesses are asked to cooperate with government measures; the Act contains no fines or prohibitions.
In force 4 Jun 2025Verified (reviewed by Bhaskar Bhatt; a factual check against the official source, not a legal review)Official source
The AI Guidelines for Business consolidate Japan's previous AI R&D, utilisation and governance guidelines into a single non-binding document addressed to AI developers, providers and business users. They set common guiding principles (such as human-centricity, safety, fairness, privacy, security, transparency and accountability) and describe agile governance practices, with an appendix of practical methods and checklists. The guidelines are updated periodically; version 1.0 was issued in April 2024 and version 1.2 in March 2026.
Adopted 19 Apr 2024Verified (reviewed by Bhaskar Bhatt; a factual check against the official source, not a legal review)Official source
The AI Basic Plan is the national strategy required under Article 18 of the 2025 AI Act. It sets basic policies and concrete measures across four areas: accelerating AI deployment, strengthening development capabilities, leading AI governance and building an AI-powered society, with the stated ambition of Japan becoming the most AI-friendly country. The first plan was adopted by Cabinet decision in December 2025 and a revised second plan was adopted in July 2026.
Adopted 23 Dec 2025Verified (reviewed by Bhaskar Bhatt; a factual check against the official source, not a legal review)Official source
Which states, provinces and regions in Japan have their own AI laws and policies?
1 instrument on record from 1 of Japan's sub-national jurisdictions. Each applies only within its own territory.
Sub-national AI laws and policies recorded for Japan
No future deadlines are recorded for Japan; past milestones are listed on each policy page. New dates reach the calendar feed: Japan feed · how it works
@misc{aipolicytracker2026_airegulationinjapan,
author = {{AIPolicyTracker}},
title = {{AI regulation in Japan}},
year = {2026},
howpublished = {\url{https://aipolicytracker.org/ai-regulation-japan}},
url = {https://aipolicytracker.org/ai-regulation-japan},
urldate = {2026-11-12},
note = {Data licensed CC BY 4.0. Accessed 12 November 2026}
}
Frequently asked questions
Does Japan have an AI law?
Yes. 1 binding instrument is in force: Act on Promotion of Research and Development, and Utilization of Artificial Intelligence-related Technology.
What is the status of AI regulation in Japan?
Instruments on record: AI Guidelines for Business (2024, guidance); Act on Promotion of Research and Development, and Utilization of Artificial Intelligence-related Technology (2025, act, in force); Artificial Intelligence Basic Plan (2025, strategy, adopted). Each is linked to its official source; human verification pending.
Is there a national AI strategy in Japan?
Yes: Artificial Intelligence Basic Plan (2025).
What is binding and what is only guidance in Japan?
Binding: Act on Promotion of Research and Development, and Utilization of Artificial Intelligence-related Technology. Strategy or guidance: AI Guidelines for Business, Artificial Intelligence Basic Plan.
Is there a federal AI law in Japan?
Yes. Binding national AI legislation is recorded: Act on Promotion of Research and Development, and Utilization of Artificial Intelligence-related Technology (act / statute).
Which sub-national jurisdictions in Japan have AI laws?
1 of the 1 sub-national jurisdictions recorded here have a binding AI instrument adopted or in force: Tokyo (Tokyo government AI guideline (2026)). Coverage of sub-national jurisdictions is still growing; the coverage page lists what is missing.
Disclaimer: informational only, not legal advice. Verify every claim against the linked official sources and consult a qualified lawyer before acting.
