AI Regulation in Japan
Japan takes a light-touch, promotion-first approach to AI. The Act on Promotion of Research and Development and Utilization of AI-Related Technologies (Act No. 53 of 2025) sets the framework. It requires the government to adopt an AI Basic Plan, but places few direct duties on companies.
The first AI Basic Plan was adopted on 23 December 2025, and a second plan replaced it on 14 July 2026. The second plan focuses on agentic AI, industry-specific AI, and physical AI, and strengthens Japan's AI Safety Institute. The AI Guidelines for Business, issued jointly by MIC and METI and updated to version 1.2 in March 2026, are the main voluntary guidance for companies.
Japan also uses soft law for specific issues. A generative AI code on intellectual property and transparency, adopted in August 2026, works on a comply-or-explain basis. Internationally, Japan launched the G7 Hiroshima AI Process in 2023 and continues to lead it.
Key themes
- 1.AI Promotion Act (2025) and the AI Basic Plans
- 2.Voluntary AI Guidelines for Business from MIC and METI
- 3.Comply-or-explain generative AI intellectual property code
- 4.Hiroshima AI Process and international leadership
Regulatory frameworks and guidance(3)
Japan AI Guidelines for Business
Japan's AI Guidelines for Business, issued jointly by MIC and METI, help companies govern AI across its life cycle. First published in April 2024, they are a living document, and version 1.2 of 31 March 2026 adds guidance on AI agents and physical AI.
Japan AI Basic Plan (second plan, July 2026)
Japan's Cabinet adopted its second AI Basic Plan on 14 July 2026, replacing the first plan of December 2025. It responds to the rapid rise of agentic AI and puts domain-specific 'vertical AI' and physical AI at the centre of Japan's strategy. It directs government policy and places no direct duties on companies.
Japan Principles-Code for Protection of Intellectual Property and Transparency for the Appropriate Use of Generative AI
Japan's Intellectual Property Strategy Headquarters adopted this code on 25 August 2026, after a draft in December 2025. It asks generative AI developers and providers, including overseas businesses serving Japan, to protect IP and be transparent on a comply-or-explain basis. Notifications open on 26 October 2026.