In brief
Japan has 3 recorded AI policy instruments, 1 of them binding and 1 in force. Instruments on record: AI Guidelines for Business (2024, guidance, 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).
- Type
- Country
- Region
- Asia
- Binding instruments
- 1
- In force
- 1
- Verification
- Verified against the official source 26 Sep 2026
Overview
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, 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.
Key policy instruments
Japan
·
Act / statute
In force
Binding
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.
Adopted 4 Jun 2025
Verified against the official source 26 Sep 2026 · reviewed by AI Policy Tracker (a factual check against the official source, not a legal review or legal advice)
Official source
Japan
·
Guidance
Guidance
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 2024
Verified against the official source 26 Sep 2026 · reviewed by AI Policy Tracker (a factual check against the official source, not a legal review or legal advice)
Official source
Japan
·
National strategy
Adopted
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 2025
Verified against the official source 26 Sep 2026 · reviewed by AI Policy Tracker (a factual check against the official source, not a legal review or legal advice)
Official source
Instruments at a glance
Native-language names are shown where the record carries one; a blank means the source is in English or the name is not yet recorded.
Upcoming deadlines
Subscribe to these dates in your calendar: Japan feed · how it works
No scheduled future dates recorded. Past milestones are listed on each policy page.
How to use this information
- Open the official source on each instrument before relying on any date or obligation.
- Treat strategies and guidance as signals of coming regulation, not as binding requirements.
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, 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.
Informational only, not legal advice. Verify every claim against the linked official sources and consult qualified counsel before acting.
