AI Regulation in Japan
Japan's approach to AI governance is voluntary and principle-based, prioritizing human-centricity, transparency, and security without imposing prescriptive legal mandates. The Social Principles of Human-Centric AI (2019), published by the Cabinet Office, established seven principles — human dignity, diversity and inclusion, sustainability, safety, security, fairness, privacy protection, innovation — that underpin all subsequent government guidance. METI has issued sector-specific guidelines for AI use in industry, and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has published guidance for healthcare AI.
Japan has been an active shaper of international AI governance through the G7 Hiroshima AI Process, co-launching the Hiroshima AI Code of Conduct in 2023 with other G7 economies. This reflects Japan's preference for multilateral, principles-based governance over domestic regulation. The government has also signed the OECD AI Principles and participated in the Bletchley and Seoul AI Safety Summits.
A draft AI Basic Act has been under parliamentary consideration, and if enacted would introduce more structured requirements — particularly around high-impact AI in sensitive sectors. For organizations currently operating in Japan, the compliance burden is primarily reputational and procurement-driven rather than legal, but the trajectory toward formal regulation is clear. Organizations with EU AI Act compliance programs will find that their governance frameworks align well with Japan's principles.
Key themes
- 1.Social Principles of Human-Centric AI as the normative baseline
- 2.METI sector-specific AI guidelines
- 3.Hiroshima AI Process and G7 multilateral governance leadership
- 4.Forthcoming AI Basic Act — draft under parliamentary review
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's First AI Basic Plan (December 2025, since replaced)
Japan's Cabinet adopted its first AI Basic Plan on 23 December 2025, as required by the 2025 AI Promotion Act. It set four directions: use AI, create AI, raise AI trustworthiness, and work with AI. A second plan replaced it on 14 July 2026.
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.