ICHIHA TECH / Japan AI regulation
REFERENCEJapan’s AIregulation (reference)
Japan has chosen “soft law plus de facto standards”. This page summarizes the main frameworks to know when doing AI-related business in Japan. Current as of October 2026.
This page is a general summary, not legal advice. For specific decisions, please consult the latest official publications and professionals.
Key frameworks
| Framework | Key points |
|---|---|
| AI Promotion ActJapan’s first AI-specific law | Enacted May 2025, fully in force September 1. No fines, licensing or prohibitions. Creates an AI Strategy Headquarters chaired by the Prime Minister. Companies that don’t cooperate with investigations may be named publicly. |
| AI Guidelines for Business v1.2MIC & METI | Published March 31, 2026. Covers inventories, risk scoring, human-intervention paths and more. Already used in supplier selection and renewal reviews — effectively the standard. |
| Generative AI Transparency PrinciplesPrinciples Code | August 25, 2026. Comply or explain. Disclose model information, training-data provenance and accountability. Also applies to overseas businesses. |
| AI Basic Plan, 2nd editionCabinet Office | Cabinet decision of July 14, 2026. Aims for a “Japan revival” through “trustworthy AI”. Rolling out the government AI “Gennai” to 180,000 civil servants. |
| Amendment of the Personal Information Protection ActCabinet decision | Cabinet decision April 7, 2026; takes effect within two years. Eases consent for AI development; tightens rules for minors and biometric data; raises fines for malicious for-profit misuse. |
How this relates to ICHIHA TECH and KAIRO
① Barriers to entryNo licensing or similar entry requirements have been set for commercial-agent services at present.
② AI governance documentsJapanese companies screen suppliers using Guidelines v1.2. ICHIHA TECH can prepare and provide documentation of its compliance status.
③ Transparency and KAIRO’s designThe transparency principles fit KAIRO’s traceable design, and proactive compliance builds trust.
Existing laws such as the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Act, the Act against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations, and statutory labeling are unchanged by AI law. Product information output is checked against current rules.
Sources
- Cabinet Office, AI Basic Plan (July 14, 2026)
- MIC & METI, AI Guidelines for Business v1.2 (March 31, 2026)
- IP Strategy Headquarters, Generative AI Transparency Principles (Principles Code) (August 25, 2026)
- Cabinet decision on amending the Personal Information Protection Act (April 7, 2026)
Ask us about regulatory readinessAI governance documents, how to proceed in Japan and more.
Contact