Japan

Is there a specific enacted legislation regulating AI in your jurisdiction?

No

Is there a proposed legislation regulating AI in your jurisdiction?

Act on the Promotion of Research, Development, and Utilisation of Artificial Intelligence-Related Technologies.” (tentative translation of the title of the Act, commonly referred to as AI Act)

Approved by Cabinet and submitted to National Diet in February 2025, expected to pass during this session (217th session running until end of June 2025, passed House of Representatives on April 24, currently pending with House of Councillors). Aims to strategically promote AI technologies by establishing fundamental principles, creating an AI Strategy Headquarters and defining roles and responsibilities.  When the use of AI involves human rights violations, the names of the companies concerned will be disclosed to the public, but there are no penalty provisions.

No official English material published as of now (see this article for reference).

Are there any guidelines/ codes of conduct/ recommendations / reports / policies in connection with AI in your jurisdiction?

• Interim report of AI Policy Study Group of Cabinet Office (released 4 February 2025): Relies on existing laws and voluntary commitments by businesses to address risk rather than imposing AI specific regulations. (Note that Interim Report takes different approach/direction from 2022 - National AI Strategy)

• 2025 - AI Guidelines for Business (Version 1.1) (released March 28, no English translation yet) - Risk-based guidelines for providers, and business users when using AI, to promote safe and secure use of AI
  
• Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communication "Report on Ensuring the Integrity of Information Circulation in Digital Spaces”

• JapanAI Safety Institute: "Guide to Evaluation Perspective on AI Safety"
  

Contracting Guidelines:

• Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) "Contract Checklist for Use and Development of AI" 
  
• Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries "Contract Guidelines on AI and Data in Agriculture" 
  

Guidelines on AI Governance:

• AI Governance in Japan
  
• Governance Guidelines for Implementation of AI Principles

Employment Policy Study Group Report (Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare): With respect to AI, recommends policies to establish ethical standards, promote workforce development, encourage AI research and innovation, implement robust data management practices.

Any additional relevant news regarding AI / or anticipated future changes (e.g. white papers, policy statements about AI regulation)?

Integrated Innovation Strategy 2024 (Cabinet Office): Addresses AI strategy but also covers broad range of innovation initiatives. 

Is AI specifically addressed in IP laws? Are there any guidelines / soft laws relating to AI? 

Copyright

• General Understanding on AI and Copyright in Japan”, Agency of Cultural Affairs (May 2024)
  
• Discusses the application of the Japanese Copyright Act to AI development and utilisation, including ethical standards, copyright infringement criteria, and the copyrightability of AI-generated materials.
  

Intellectual Property - General

Overview of the Interim Report on Intellectual Property Rights in the AI Era: Provides a comprehensive overview of the current state and future directions of intellectual property rights related to AI, focusing on policy recommendations and strategic initiatives.

Guide for Rights Holders: Interim Report on Intellectual Property Rights in the AI Era: Offers practical advice and detailed guidelines for rights holders on managing and protecting intellectual property in the context of AI technologies. 

Is AI specifically addressed in data protection laws? Are there any guidelines / soft laws relating to AI?

AI is not addressed specifically in data protection laws or guidelines.

(For reference only - consent requirements for use of personal data strictly for AI development purposes will be considered in next round of APPI reform).

Who are the competent AI supervisory authorities in your jurisdiction? 

Under the new AI Act, a strategic leadership body (led by Primer Minister and consisting of Cabinet Members) will have the authority to collect information and investigate any use of AI that violates rights and interests. Cabinet Office is leading the AI strategy for Japan (Secretariat of Science, Technology and Innovation Policy, Cabinet office, Government of Japan).

No single authority, as AI use is across industries and sectors. Businesses will be regulated by their supervising government institution, including for AI use. Ministry of internal Affairs and Communications and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) - mentioned in the AI Guidelines, could be different for any future regulation.

Are there any publicly known enforcement actions in relation to AI?

Unlawful activity using AI is expected to be penalised or regulated under the existing legal framework.  For example, there have been some criminal cases where AI was used to commit fraud and other crimes. 

Are there any other sector specific laws or guideline / soft laws (e.g. finance, healthcare etc.) where AI is specifically addressed?

• Financial Service Agency: Publication of AI Discussion Paper: Outlines the current use cases, challenges, and future directions for AI in the financial sector, emphasising the importance of ethical standards, risk management, and collaboration between public and private stakeholders.
  
  
• Ministry of Health Labour and Welfare: Guidelines on Utilising Medical Digital Data in AI Research and Development: Guidelines for the ethical, legal, and social utilisation of digital medical data in AI research and development, emphasising the protection of patient rights and the responsible handling of sensitive information.
  
  
• Ministry of Defence: Basic Principles for Promoting AI Use: Emphasises ethical AI use, risk management, international cooperation, and ensuring transparency and accountability in AI operations.

*Information is accurate up to 30 April 2025