Japan

The Act establishes Japan’s national framework for promoting the development and use of AI-related technologies. It sets basic principles and responsibilities for government, research institutions, businesses and citizens, establishes the AI Strategic Headquarters, requires an AI Basic Plan, and provides for government measures and guidelines intended to promote innovation while addressing AI-related risks.

The Guidelines, jointly issued by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, provide nonbinding guidance for AI developers, providers and business users throughout the AI lifecycle. They address AI governance and risk management, including human-centricity, safety, fairness, privacy, security, transparency and accountability, and provide role-specific guidance and practical governance tools for businesses.

Issued under Article 13 of the AI Act, the Guidelines establish the government’s overarching framework for the appropriate development and use of AI. They encourage organizations to take risk-based and proactive measures addressing human-centricity, fairness, safety, transparency, accountability, security, privacy, fair competition, AI literacy and innovation, with appropriate measures depending on an organization’s role and the risks presented by the AI system.

The AI Basic Plan, adopted pursuant to the AI Act, sets Japan’s national AI policy and implementation priorities. The current Second Phase plan focuses on accelerating AI adoption, strengthening domestic AI development capabilities, advancing AI governance and safety, and supporting sustainable economic and social transformation through AI.

The guide provides basic considerations for those involved in the development and provision of AI systems regarding red teaming methodologies to evaluate the risk countermeasures applied to the target AI system from an attacker's perspective. It presents items that are considered important for conducting red teaming at this stage, taking into consideration domestic and international studies, prior cases, and international alignment.

The Guide provides a framework for evaluating the safety of AI systems, identifying key risk areas and evaluation perspectives that developers and providers should consider. Version 1.20 expands the framework to address AI agent systems, including risks associated with autonomous behavior, external tool use, environmental interaction, and mechanisms for human observation and control.

The Guidance explains how existing Japanese civil liability rules may apply where AI systems contribute to loss or injury. Using hypothetical cases involving generative AI, screening systems, autonomous robots and AI agents, it addresses potential liability of AI developers, providers and users under tort and product-liability principles and distinguishes between AI used to assist human decision-making and AI on which users substantially rely as a substitute for human action.

The Guidelines provide technical security measures for AI developers and providers to address threats capable of causing unauthorized outputs, disclosure of confidential information, manipulation or disruption of AI systems. They address security risks affecting AI systems, including large language models and related AI components, and provide practical technical countermeasures.

Guidebook issued by the Ministry of Economic, Trade and Industry. 

Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry adopted this contract checklist for Japanese business operators to use in practice and is intended for a wide range regardless of practical experience with AI. 

A document issued by the Agency for Cultural Affairs on legal interpretations of AI and copyright online.

A checklist and guidance issued by the Agency for Cultural Affairs on AI and copyright.

Report issued by Prime Minister’s Office that addresses intellectual property and contract law issues regarding AI, including Generative AI.

Established in February 2024 within the Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan (IPA). It develops AI safety evaluation methods, standards, guidance, and related technical materials.

Established under the Cabinet pursuant to Article 19 of the AI Act and serves as the central body coordinating Japan’s national AI policy. It is headed by the Prime Minister.