Japan’s first AI law promotes AI development and sets up a government AI Strategy Headquarters. Businesses must cooperate; there are no penalties. Fully in force since 1 September 2025.
The Act on Promotion of Research and Development, and Utilization of AI-related Technology takes a light-touch approach. Businesses must cooperate with government measures, and the government can investigate cases where AI misuse harms people’s rights and give guidance and advice. There are no penalties.
The Prime Minister chairs the AI Strategy Headquarters, which drafts the AI Basic Plan and issued guidelines on the appropriate development and use of AI on 19 December 2025. The Cabinet adopted Japan’s first AI Basic Plan on 23 December 2025 and approved a revised version on 14 July 2026. The plan is reviewed, in principle, every year.
Key dates
Passed by the Diet
Promulgated; partly in force
Fully in force; AI Strategy Headquarters set up
Headquarters issues guidelines on appropriate AI development and use