Law Changes Calendar | Japanese Law Changes in 2026 and 2027 and the Corporate Legal Schedule

Draft Cabinet Order amendments: standard fees for gaming-machine certification

The National Police Agency is consulting on revised standard administrative fees for gaming-machine certification. The draft reduces one base amount from JPY 4,340 to JPY 3,030 and a per-machine amount from JPY 40 to JPY 30, and sets another category at JPY 3,900 plus JPY 30 per uncertified machine. April 1, 2027 is the proposed effective date; the changes remain under consultation.

Gaming premises & licensingGaming-premises operators and gaming-machine businesses

Draft amendment to the Basic Policy on Strengthening SME Management

A consultation proposes changes to the basic policy under the SME Management Strengthening Act. In setting goals in municipal basic plans for introducing advanced equipment, municipalities would take account of local population/industrial structures and SME conditions, and could reuse corresponding descriptions in other municipal plans. The proposal concerns how municipal equipment-introduction plans are documented; its effective date has not been finalized.

SMEs & equipment investmentSMEs considering advanced equipment and municipalities

Regional Future Investment Promotion Act: criteria notice for the tax special measure on industrial site development

On November 6, METI promulgated a notice (METI Notice No. 146) setting the criteria for confirmation by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry under Article 12-4 of the Act on Strengthening the Foundation for Regional Growth and Development by Promoting Regional Economy-Driving Businesses (the Regional Future Investment Promotion Act). That article relates to the approval system for plans to develop sites for regional economy-driving businesses introduced by the Act amending the Industrial Competitiveness Enhancement Act and other acts (Act No. 29 of 2026). It provides that a tax special measure under the Act on Special Measures Concerning Taxation applies where land or rights on land are transferred, for use in an approved site development confirmed by the Minister, to the approved developer (excluding local governments, land development public corporations, the Urban Renaissance Agency and others). The criteria are that the land to be developed is expected to cover at least 1 hectare; that the development is expected to include one of the listed facilities, such as factories, distribution facilities, information processing facilities or research facilities, together with one of the related facilities, such as roads, retention ponds or parks; that the businesses to be located on the land are expected to be selected through public solicitation or another fair method after the plan is approved; and that the roles of the developers and their cooperation arrangements are set out in an agreement or similar document. The Minister issues a confirmation certificate where the criteria are met. A related METI ordinance and a joint ministerial notice are amended to update cross-references. All take effect on the date the provisions listed in Article 1, item 2 of the Supplementary Provisions of the amending Act take effect (a date set by Cabinet Order within 6 months counting from its promulgation on June 5).

Tax & regional economyDevelopers seeking approval of industrial site development plans and those transferring land to them

Draft Cabinet Order under the amended Social Welfare Act (scope of registered paid nursing-home businesses)

MHLW is inviting public comments from 21:00 on November 4 until 21:00 on December 4 on a draft Cabinet Order adjusting related Cabinet Orders and setting transitional measures for the partial entry into force (planned for December 1, 2027) of the Act amending the Social Welfare Act and other acts (Act No. 51 of 2026). Under the amended Act on Social Welfare for the Elderly, anyone intending to establish a paid nursing home that conducts a registered paid nursing-home business, which admits residents in a care-need category set by Cabinet Order and provides them with nursing care, must first obtain registration from the prefectural governor for each home. The draft would set those care-need categories in the enforcement order of that Act. It would also set the transitional period during which operators already running such homes when the registration system takes effect, and meeting certain requirements, may continue the business without registration (under the amending Act, until a date set by Cabinet Order within 1 year and 6 months from the effective date). Promulgation in mid-December and entry into force on December 1, 2027 are planned.

Nursing care and welfareOperators and prospective operators of paid nursing homes

Draft amendment to the processed products subject to import controls under the Fisheries Distribution Act (prepared saury and squid)

The Fisheries Agency is inviting public comments from November 5 until 23:59 on December 4 on a draft amendment to the notice designating the processed products subject to import controls under the enforcement regulations of the Act on Ensuring the Proper Domestic Distribution of Specified Aquatic Animals and Plants. Under the Act, specified type-2 aquatic animals and plants (mackerel, Pacific saury, sardine and squid) and processed products designated by notice may not be imported unless accompanied by a certificate or other document proving that they were lawfully caught. With the creation of statistical code 1604.19.030 (prepared Pacific saury) in the import tariff schedule (planned to take effect on January 1, 2027), the draft would add the products listed under that code. It would also remove squid and its processed products (codes 0307.43, 0307.49 and 1605.54) from the exclusion for processed products made mainly from livers, roe, tongues, cheeks, heads or fins. Entry into force is planned for early July 2027.

Trade and foodImporters of processed seafood such as Pacific saury and squid

Draft amendment to the Waste Management Act Enforcement Regulations (entries in waste disposal contracts and manifests for discarded lithium batteries)

To ensure the proper treatment of discarded lithium batteries and products containing them and to prevent fires caused by such waste and their spread, the Ministry of the Environment is inviting public comments from November 4 until 00:00 on December 4 on a draft amendment to the Waste Management Act Enforcement Regulations that accompanies the draft Cabinet Order amendment (new handling standards) under consultation since October 29. Where the treatment of industrial waste is outsourced, the contract would have to state that the waste includes discarded lithium batteries or products containing them; waste generators would have to enter their quantity in the industrial waste manifest and issue the manifest after confirming, at handover, that such waste is included and in what quantity; and the same information would be added to the items registered for electronic manifests. The draft would also require the information to be shown on notice boards at storage sites, add items to be recorded in ledgers, strengthen industrial waste storage standards (fire-prevention measures such as partitions, a ban on rough handling, and avoiding flames, sparks, hot objects and overheating), require the information in written consent for subcontracting and in subcontracting agreements, and add items to applications for waste treatment business permits and for exports and imports. Promulgation in late December and entry into force on April 1, 2027 are planned, but the schedule may change.

Environment & wasteIndustrial waste generators, collectors and transporters, and disposal operators

Draft amendments to the Copyright Act Enforcement Order and Enforcement Regulations (designated organizations and secondary use fee rules for the record performance and communication right)

The Agency for Cultural Affairs is inviting public comments from November 2 until 23:59 on December 1 on draft amendments to the Copyright Act Enforcement Order and the Copyright Act Enforcement Regulations concerning the secondary use fees payable to performers and phonogram producers for the public playing or communication of commercial recordings, introduced by the Copyright Act amendment promulgated on June 24 (Act No. 48 of 2026). Organizations designated for the right to receive these fees would be subject to the existing rules on designated organizations (public notice of designation, business rules, accounting, submission of business plans, collection of reports, suspension or discontinuation of business and revocation of designation), and their business rules would have to cover the authorization to exercise the right, fees charged for that work and the method of distribution. The drafts also set out notice to the Commissioner for Cultural Affairs when a designated organization publishes its draft secondary use fee rules online or by other means; the procedures for a user representative to request an order to start consultations and to apply for a ruling; criteria for recognizing a user representative based on its share of users and of secondary use fees in each category of use (such as where both exceed 50%); and a requirement to attach documents describing the hearing of opinions and the course of consultations when filing secondary use fee rules. The changes would take effect on the effective date of the amended Act (a date set by Cabinet Order within three years of promulgation), with a transitional measure allowing designated organizations to prepare business rules before that date.

IP & copyrightShops and businesses that use commercial recordings, such as for background music, and their associations; organizations of performers and phonogram producers

Bill amending the Act on Important Land Use (prior permission for acquisitions of land in regulated zones)

On October 23, the Government submitted to the 222nd (extraordinary) Diet session a bill amending the Act on the Review and Regulation of the Use of Real Estate Surrounding Important Facilities and on Remote Territorial Islands. The Imperial Palace, the National Diet Building, the Prime Minister’s Office and the buildings of crisis-management administrative agencies would be added to the important facilities that can form the basis of monitored zones. Within special monitored zones, the areas around defense facilities and Japan Coast Guard facilities (generally within about 1,000 meters) whose functions could be seriously impaired, with recovery being difficult, by methods that are especially hard to detect in advance, such as attacks by secretly amassed drones, as well as uninhabited remote border islands, could be designated as regulated zones. Any transfer of ownership of land or buildings in a regulated zone would require the prior permission of the Prime Minister regardless of area, and a transfer without permission would have no effect. Permission would in principle be refused for transfers to foreign governments and similar bodies, persons engaged in the activities of foreign armed forces, persons obliged under foreign laws or similar rules to cooperate with them, and legal entities in which such persons hold half or more of the voting rights or officer positions. A legal entity that acquires land in a regulated zone through a merger or company split, or that falls within the grounds for refusal because of a change in its control, would have to notify the Government and could be ordered to transfer the land within one year (failing which the State would apply for an auction). The creation or transfer of rights to use land would require notification after the fact, and on-site inspections, emergency orders and penalties would also be introduced. Under the bill, the Act would generally take effect on a date set by Cabinet Order within one year and six months of promulgation; its passage and final content are not settled.

Economic security & real estateParties to sales and leases of land and buildings in regulated zones, legal entities acquiring land through mergers, company splits or similar transactions, and real estate and M&A practitioners

Bill on beneficial ownership transparency for legal entities (filing of beneficial ownership information)

On October 23, the Government submitted to the 222nd (extraordinary) Diet session a bill on the identification of information on the beneficial owners of legal entities and other organizations, together with a bill amending related acts. All domestic legal entities other than listed companies and similar entities, and certain foreign legal entities such as those that trade in Japan on a continuing basis, would be required to identify their beneficial owners (for entities governed by majority shareholder voting, natural persons who directly or indirectly hold more than 25% of all voting rights, among others), including their names, addresses, dates of birth and nationalities, and to file this information with the Legal Affairs Bureau on incorporation and whenever it changes, creating an official register. Access would be limited to administrative organs that need the information for their statutory duties and to specified business operators under the Act on Prevention of Transfer of Criminal Proceeds that have the entity’s consent. Failure to file would be subject to penalties, and the registration of an entity that has not filed for three years after the deadline would be closed. Trustees would also be required to identify, record and keep information on the parties to their trusts. Under the bill, the Act would take effect on a date set by Cabinet Order within one year and six months of promulgation (with some exceptions); its passage and final content are not settled.

Corporate & complianceAll domestic legal entities other than listed companies, certain foreign legal entities and trustees

Bill amending the Commercial Code and the International Carriage of Goods by Sea Act (electronic bills of lading)

On October 23, the Government submitted to the Diet a bill amending the Commercial Code and the International Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, which was referred to the Committee on Judicial Affairs of the House of Representatives on October 29. The bill would create a system of electronic bill of lading records, meaning electronic records protected by measures such as those that allow any alteration to be detected, which a carrier or master may issue with the consent of the shipper or charterer. It sets out, among other things, the requirements for transferring or pledging rights under such records and conversion between paper bills of lading and electronic records. Similar rules would apply to electronic warehouse receipt records and electronic multimodal transport document records. Under the International Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, notice of partial loss of or damage to goods could also be given electronically. Under the bill, the Act would generally take effect on a date set by Cabinet Order within one year of promulgation; its passage and final content are not settled.

Logistics & commercial transactionsShipping, warehousing and logistics businesses, shippers and banks involved in trade finance

Draft amendments to business-revitalization ADR rules (implementation of the Early-Stage Business Restructuring Act)

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is inviting public comments until 23:59 on November 28 on draft amendments to the ministerial ordinance and notice on business-revitalization ADR under the Industrial Competitiveness Enhancement Act. To make pre-DIP financing more workable and support debtors’ cash flow, the draft deletes the requirement on the end date of the borrowing from the criteria that specified certified dispute resolution operators confirm for borrowings during ADR proceedings. It also adds an application for confirmation under the Act on Debt Adjustment Procedures with Financial Institutions for Smooth Business Restructuring (the Early-Stage Business Restructuring Act) to the procedures to which a case moves if not all creditors agree. Both would take effect on December 11, the effective date of that Act; promulgation is planned for early to mid-December but is not final.

Restructuring & financeBusinesses using business-revitalization ADR, financial institutions and certified dispute resolution operators

Draft amendments to the Corporation Tax and Income Tax Basic Circulars (depreciation threshold for artworks)

The National Tax Agency is inviting public comments until 23:59 on November 28 on draft amendments to paragraph 7-1-1 of the Corporation Tax Basic Circular and paragraph 2-14 of the Income Tax Basic Circular. The acquisition-cost threshold at or above which artworks and similar items are treated as assets whose value does not decline over time, and are therefore excluded from depreciable assets, would be raised from JPY 1 million per item to JPY 2 million per item, and items below JPY 2 million (other than those whose value clearly does not decline) would be treated as depreciable. The change would apply to artworks acquired on or after January 1, 2027. Artworks acquired before that date that cost JPY 1 million or more per item and become depreciable under the new threshold could also be treated as depreciable from the first business year beginning on or after that date, if used in the business in that year (with a corresponding rule for income tax).

Tax & accountingCompanies and sole proprietors that hold or acquire artworks

Draft designation of “Japanese Whisky” as a geographical indication for alcoholic beverages

The National Tax Agency is inviting public comments until 23:59 on November 30 on a draft designation of “Japanese Whisky”, with Japan as the area of production, as a geographical indication for spirits. The production standards would require the use of malt and water drawn in Japan, with no other ingredients except grains and caramel coloring; saccharification, fermentation, distillation and maturation in Japan; maturation in wooden casks of 700 liters or less for at least three years; and bottling in Japan at an alcohol content of at least 40% at the time of filling. Use of the indication would require confirmation by the designated control body. No designation date has been stated.

Alcoholic beverages & labelingWhisky producers, sellers and exporters

Draft revisions to the interpretive standards and fair-trading guidelines for LP gas retail

The Agency for Natural Resources and Energy is holding a voluntary public consultation until 18:00 on November 27 on draft revisions to the standards for applying and interpreting the Enforcement Regulations of the Act on the Securing of Safety and the Optimization of Transaction of Liquefied Petroleum Gas, and to the guidelines on fair trading in LP gas retail. Among other things, the drafts would require the written contract terms to state the period for which a rate lower than the standard rate level applies and how charges are treated after that period, where such a rate is offered when a contract is concluded, and would state that so-called lent piping installed in a building may be found to have become part of the building, so that ownership of the piping belongs to the building owner. No timing of application has been stated.

Energy & consumer transactionsLP gas retailers and owners of rental housing

Draft amendment to the Waste Management Act Enforcement Order (handling standards for lithium batteries)

In response to frequent fires in waste collection vehicles and treatment facilities caused by discarded lithium batteries and products containing them, the Ministry of the Environment is inviting public comments until 13:00 on November 29 on a draft Cabinet Order strengthening the handling standards for municipal and industrial waste. The draft would require fire-prevention measures such as keeping such waste separate from other items during collection and transport, prohibit rough handling, require partitions and similar measures at transfer sites, and require avoiding flames, sparks, hot objects and overheating during storage. Promulgation in late December and entry into force on April 1, 2027 are planned but not final.

Environment & wasteWaste generators, collectors and transporters, and disposal operators

Draft enforcement order, rules and guidelines under the Act on Regulation of Genome-Edited Human Embryos

The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and other ministries are inviting public comments until 23:59 on November 28 on a draft enforcement order and draft enforcement rules for the Act on Regulation of the Handling of Genome-Edited Human Embryos, etc. (Act No. 70 of 2026), promulgated on July 24, and on draft guidelines on the handling of such embryos. The draft order defines the scope of genome-editing and related technologies covered by the Act, the conditions under which transfer into an animal’s uterus is permitted, and the uses for basic research that require notification of a handling plan. The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology is also consulting until 23:59 on November 30 on related revisions to research guidelines. The Act takes effect on July 24, 2027, and the order is planned to be promulgated in March 2027.

Medical & research regulationUniversities, research institutions and companies conducting research on human embryos and genome editing

Draft PMD Act rules on labeling and disease-treatment software

MHLW is consulting on labeling rules allowing the address of appointed marketing authorization holders for quasi-drugs, cosmetics, medical devices and regenerative products to be read as the office of the relevant responsible officer. The draft also adds disease-treatment software to the classifications used for consumer-device precaution information. Promulgation in late December and effect on promulgation are proposed, not final.

Medicines and medical devicesMarketing authorization holders for quasi-drugs, cosmetics, devices and related products

Proposed MVNO guideline revisions on 5G standalone interconnection

MIC is consulting on revisions to the MVNO business guidelines, including clarification of functions and cost allocation for 5G standalone interconnection and treatment of leased assets. These are draft guidelines; new interconnection conditions have not been finalized.

Telecommunications and competitionMobile network operators and MVNOs

Draft report on post-quantum algorithms in the CRYPTREC list

MIC is consulting on a draft report toward revision of the CRYPTREC cryptographic list, including treatment of the post-quantum digital-signature schemes ML-DSA and SLH-DSA. The report is a draft, not a finalized update of the list.

Cryptography and information securityGovernment IT procurement, cryptographic-product and information-system providers

Draft rules on retention of confidential chemical-identity records

MHLW is consulting on amendments for retention of chemical identities protected as trade secrets, including transfer of records to designated institutions when a business closes and disclosure to physicians. Promulgation in January 2027 and effect on April 1, 2027 are proposed, not final.

Occupational safety and chemicalsBusinesses using alternative chemical names and designated record-retention institutions

Draft rules on electronic defined-contribution pension procedures

MHLW is consulting on proposed amendments to the defined-contribution pension regulations. The draft would enable electronic procedures for record management, retirement benefit claims and asset transfers, as well as electronic benefit notices. The proposed effective date is January 1, 2027; the amendments are not final.

Pensions and electronic proceduresDefined-contribution pension administrators and participants

Proposed changes to domestic administrators’ periodic reports for specified importers

METI is consulting on proposed amendments to product-safety reporting rules. The draft would align domestic administrators’ annual reporting deadline to January 31 for information as of the preceding December 31 and permit consolidated reports across product categories for the same specified importer. The amendments are not final.

Product safety and importsSpecified importers and domestic administrators

Work and childcare support review: materials for the 93rd subcommittee

MHLW published materials for the 93rd Employment Environment and Equal Employment Subcommittee. They set out discussion points and opinions on Kurumin certification criteria, publication of men’s childcare-leave duration, and taking child-nursing and family-care leave during the working day. They are not an adopted reform or the commencement of new obligations.

Employment and childcare/caregivingEmployers and HR teams

Draft election-fairness guidelines and information-distribution platform regulations

MIC opened a statutory consultation on draft election-fairness guidelines and amendments to the information-distribution platform enforcement regulations. The deadline is November 24 at 23:59. The guidelines and amendments are not final.

Information distribution and platformsInformation-distribution platform operators

Draft 26 GHz 5G frequency-allocation changes

MIC is consulting on frequency-allocation changes reflecting the result of the price competition for 26 GHz 5G deployment. Comments close November 24 at 23:59. This is a draft notice, not final adoption or commencement.

Telecommunications and spectrumMobile-network operators and equipment businesses

Draft simplified procedures for 5.8 GHz drone experimental stations

MIC is consulting on a draft notice to simplify procedures for 5.8 GHz drone experimental stations. Comments close November 24 at 23:59. The proposal concerns frequencies and related conditions for specified experimental stations; changes are not final.

Drones and radio regulationDrone developers and trial operators

Draft Cyber/Physical Security Framework version 1.1

METI opened a voluntary consultation on version 1.1 of the Cyber/Physical Security Framework, from October 23 at 16:00 until December 22 at 00:00. It is not a statutory consultation, final adoption or commencement of legislation.

CybersecurityBusinesses involved in supply chains and industrial systems

Draft amendments to the Vehicle Restrictions Order

MLIT is consulting on a draft Cabinet Order amending vehicle restrictions under the Road Act. Comments run from October 23 at 16:30 to November 21 at 16:30. The consultation does not establish or bring new travel conditions into force.

Roads and logisticsFreight carriers and business road users

Working-time review: discretionary work materials for the 213th subcommittee

MHLW published materials for the 213th Labour Policy Council working-conditions subcommittee, covering issues and discussion points concerning discretionary work. Publication of discussion materials is not a decision to amend the system.

Employment and working timeEmployers and businesses with work covered by discretionary-work schemes

Draft guidelines for publishing and selecting textbooks including digital formats

MEXT opened a voluntary consultation on preliminary guidelines for publishing and selecting textbooks, including digital formats. Comments run from October 23 to November 8 at 23:59. This is not a statutory consultation under the Administrative Procedure Act, final adoption of the guidelines or commencement of legislation.

Education and digital learning materialsTextbook publishers, boards of education and schools

Draft energy-efficiency rules for gas and electric water heaters

The Agency for Natural Resources and Energy is consulting on draft Energy Conservation Act enforcement rules and manufacturer standards for the energy performance of gas and electric water heaters. Comments run from October 22 at 20:00 to November 20 at 20:00. The proposed standards are not finalized.

Energy and product regulationManufacturers and importers of gas or electric water heaters

Draft packaging-recycling regulations and quantity ratios

METI opened consultation on draft enforcement-rule changes under packaging-recycling legislation and related ordinances and notices on quantity ratios. Comments are accepted from October 22 at 10:00 until November 21 at 18:00. Publication of the proposal does not constitute final adoption or commencement.

Resource circulation and packagingBusinesses using or manufacturing packaging

Draft Cabinet Orders following amendments to workers’ compensation legislation

MHLW is consulting on related Cabinet Orders, including review procedures for social rehabilitation benefits and diseases covered by five-year limitation periods for claims under workers’ compensation insurance, seamen’s insurance and the Labor Standards Act. The specified categories are brain/heart diseases, mental disorders and asbestos-related diseases, with details prescribed by ministerial ordinance. Promulgation is planned for December 2026 and commencement for April 1, 2027; the proposal is not finalized.

Employment and workers’ compensationEmployers, shipowners and compensation claimants

Draft amendments to APPI enforcement rules and My Number breach-reporting rules

The Personal Information Protection Commission is consulting on amendments to the APPI enforcement rules and rules governing reports of breaches involving specific personal information under the My Number Act. The consultation runs from October 21 at 17:00 to November 20 at 17:00 under the Administrative Procedure Act. It does not mean the amendments have been finalized or entered into force.

Personal information and My NumberBusinesses and other entities handling personal or specific personal information

Draft revisions to J-Credit scheme documents

Draft revisions to J-Credit scheme documents are open for comments from October 21 at 13:00 to November 4 at 18:00. e-Gov identifies this as a voluntary consultation, rather than a procedure under the Administrative Procedure Act. The documents remain proposals; the consultation is not final adoption or the commencement of legislation.

Environment and decarbonizationJ-Credit participants and businesses using credits

Draft geographical indication for Honkaku Shochu and related ministerial ordinance

The National Tax Agency is consulting on a geographical indication for distilled spirits named Honkaku Shochu with Japan as the place of origin, alongside a related ordinance. Proposed production standards include fermentation, distillation, storage and bottling in Japan and verification by a management body. Designation is not final; the ordinance includes transitional provisions for existing labels.

Alcohol and geographical indicationsShochu producers and alcohol distributors

Draft pesticide residue limits for five substances

The Consumer Affairs Agency is consulting on residue limits for chlorantraniliprole, 1,3-dichloropropene, tiadinil, thiobencarb and fenazaquin. Publication is planned for early February 2027, generally effective on publication, with a proposed one-year transition for certain reductions. Covered foods and numerical limits are specified in the draft.

Food and product regulationFood manufacturers, importers and distributors

Draft extension of the Great East Japan Earthquake reconstruction emergency guarantee

The Reconstruction Agency proposes extending the SME reconstruction emergency guarantee deadline by one year, from March 31, 2027 to March 31, 2028. Promulgation and commencement are planned for mid-March 2027. The extension remains a proposal under consultation.

Finance and SME supportEligible SMEs and financial institutions

Draft chemical-management amendments under occupational safety and health rules

MHLW opened seven consultations covering label and SDS substances and thresholds, skin and eye protection, carcinogens, concentration limits and alternative chemical names for trade secrets, following GHS classification updates. Promulgation is planned for February 2027. Major label and SDS changes are planned for April 1, 2029 and some protective-equipment changes for April 1, 2028; certain deletions and name changes would apply on promulgation. The proposals do not share a single commencement date.

Occupational safety and chemical managementBusinesses manufacturing, importing, supplying or using chemicals

Draft changes to medical-function information reporting

MHLW is consulting on changes to information that hospitals and clinics report to prefectures, including short-stay surgery, radiotherapy and RSV vaccination. Publication is planned for December 2026 and application from January 1, 2027.

Healthcare and disclosureHospital and clinic administrators

Review of measures for stable and sustainable postal operations

The Information and Communications Council opened a voluntary consultation on postal service levels, types and added value, maintaining the network, and collection and delivery in disadvantaged regions. Comments close November 20 at 23:59 JST. This informs future deliberations and does not finalize changes to prices or delivery frequency.

Postal services & business infrastructureBusiness users of mail and postal-service stakeholders

Draft amendments to odor-index and odor-emission calculation methods

The Environment Ministry is accepting comments from October 20 until November 19 at 00:00 JST. The draft revises testing, calculations and sampling equipment to improve accuracy, combining ambient and outlet sample procedures and using selection of two sample-containing bags from five. Publication around March 2027 and commencement on April 1, 2028 are proposed, not finalized.

Environment & odor regulationBusinesses subject to odor-index controls and odor-measurement providers

Draft amendments to controlled goods, technology and export-trade rules (international export-control regimes)

METI is accepting comments from October 19 at 20:00 until November 18 at 17:00 JST. The draft adds or revises controlled goods and related technologies, including nucleic-acid synthesis equipment, additive manufacturing equipment for explosives and real-time oscilloscopes, reflecting international export-control agreements. It also revises export exceptions and the definition of temporary unloading. Final rules and effective dates are not yet settled.

Foreign exchange & export controlsManufacturers, trading companies and other exporters or suppliers of controlled goods and technology

Review of sender-information disclosure procedures and use of disclosed information

At the ninth MIC working-group meeting, additional issues included procedures when content providers hold names and addresses, simpler methods and periods for consulting senders, notification of case numbers, and measures against use of obtained information outside its intended purpose. Amendments and effective dates have not been determined.

Internet & rights infringementSocial platforms, access providers and participants in sender-information disclosure proceedings

Draft second-edition guidelines for digital wage payments

MHLW is consulting on a second edition of its guidelines for wage payments into funds-transfer service accounts. The draft clarifies treatment of balances above a provider-set acceptance cap of no more than JPY 1 million and the relationship with statutory security-deposit requirements where guarantee arrangements also satisfy the Payment Services Act. Caps are set per provider; wages exceeding a cap must first be accepted in full, with the excess transferred to the designated alternative account that day. This is a draft, not publication of a final edition.

Labor & paymentsDesignated funds-transfer providers and employers using digital wage payments

Draft pharmaceutical dispensing and records rules

MHLW is consulting on implementing ordinances under the 2025 pharmaceutical-law amendments. Proposals address justified sales of pharmacy medicines without a prescription, records and retention, electronic directions and reports for outsourced dispensing and handover, and GMP inspection categories. Promulgation is planned for late November. Most provisions would take effect on the date specified for Article 1(iii) of the amending Act’s supplementary provisions; some would start on promulgation. Consultation does not put the rules into force.

Pharmaceutical regulationPharmacies, pharmaceutical manufacturers and marketing authorization holders, and registered handover businesses

Draft designation of medicines requiring prescriptions

MHLW is consulting on a public notice designating medicines that cannot be sold or supplied without a justifiable reason to people who have not received a prescription. The proposed scope is pharmacy medicines under Article 4(9)(ii) of the amended Act, excluding medicines under Article 2(17)(iii). The notice is planned for late November and would apply from the effective date specified for Article 1(iii) of the amending Act’s supplementary provisions. This separate designation consultation remains unfinalized.

Pharmaceutical salesPharmacies and businesses involved in medicine sales

Review of telecom data protection in the frontier-AI era

MIC held its first meeting on October 22, discussing current telecom data-protection and security challenges and hearing expert views on cybersecurity in the frontier-AI era. Meeting materials were published. Specific regulations and effective dates have not been finalized.

AI, telecoms & personal dataTelecom operators, infrastructure contractors and AI providers

Electronic notices under the Labor Contract Succession Act

MHLW presented consultation issues on electronic notices and objections in corporate splits to the Labor Conditions Subcommittee. The proposal would secure reliable delivery, allow employers and majority unions or representatives to agree on methods, and honor an employee’s request for another method. It does not establish that current written procedures can already be replaced by email; amendments and effective dates remain undecided.

M&A & laborBusinesses undertaking corporate splits, unions and HR teams

Draft amendments to IT engineer examinations and Registered Information Security Specialist procedures

METI opened public comment on draft ordinances reforming IT engineer examination categories and digitizing Registered Information Security Specialist procedures. The category changes, reflecting advances in AI and related skills, are planned within fiscal 2027. The drafts also address disaster-related examination exemptions and notice methods. Registration, amendment and replacement applications would use the national qualification information system, with Individual Number-based checks of residence and family-register information reducing attachments. These are proposals; opening public comment does not bring them into force.

IT, skills & qualificationsIT businesses, examination candidates and Registered Information Security Specialists

Draft additions to important controlled technologies subject to prior reporting under the Foreign Exchange Act

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is inviting public comments from October 9 to 16:30 on November 7 on a draft amendment to a public notice adding to the important controlled technologies for which prior reporting to the Minister is required before transactions to provide them, under the public-private dialogue scheme for strengthening technology control under the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act (in effect since December 2024). Six technologies would be added: the design or manufacture of light sources for exposure equipment using a wavelength of 248 nanometers or less, ceramic chucks for semiconductor manufacturing equipment, lithium manganese iron phosphate cathode active materials for lithium-ion batteries, hybrid supercapacitors, optical glass, optical crystals and optical lenses for exposure equipment, and servo mechanisms for machine tools with five or more axes, bringing the total to 30 technologies. The prior report serves as a starting point for public-private dialogue on technology control, and where concerns about technology leakage are not resolved, the Ministry may issue an inform notice requiring a license application. The draft does not yet specify an effective date.

Foreign exchange & export controlManufacturers that provide or license the covered technologies overseas, and businesses entering into technology partnerships, joint ventures or M&A with foreign companies

Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance Act amendment (draft implementing orders and ordinances)

At the Labor Policy Council's Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance Subcommittee meeting on October 9, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare submitted for consultation outlines of draft Cabinet Orders and ministerial ordinances implementing the Act Partially Amending the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance Act and Other Acts (Act No. 60 of 2026). The drafts set out by ordinance the requirements for special enrollment organizations, requiring organizations for specified freelance businesses to have at least one year of support activities, at least 100 members and a nationwide operating structure, among other things. They designate cerebrovascular and cardiac diseases, mental disorders and asbestos-related diseases as the diseases subject to the revised limitation period for claims for insurance benefits, and also abolish the special rule on the amount of the special survivor annuity. The proposed effective date is April 1, 2027 (April 1, 2031 for some provisions).

Labor & HREmployers, special enrollment organizations and businesses that outsource work to freelancers

Draft additions to example security control measures in the APPI Guidelines (General Rules) and related guidelines

The Personal Information Protection Commission is inviting public comments from October 29 to 23:59 on November 27 on draft notices amending the appendix on security control measures in the APPI Guidelines (General Rules) and the security control measures in the My Number Guidelines for businesses and for administrative organs. The drafts add examples of methods such as multi-factor authentication; fingerprint, vein and face authentication; a general prohibition on reusing the same user ID and password; retention of logs for a certain period; mechanisms that assess the location, time, device status and other context of each access request (a zero-trust approach); limiting access to authorized devices; restricting privileged accounts; preventing the spread of damage after an intrusion; early detection through IDS/IPS, EDR and similar tools; and deletion methods that prevent easy recovery, such as cryptographic erasure. The Commission states that these are additional examples and do not create new rules. Entry into force was originally planned for April 2027, but in light of incidents involving leaks of large volumes of personal data, the Commission intends to bring forward the reporting of the consultation results, the decision on the amendments and their entry into force as far as possible; the effective date has not been set. Earlier, on October 7, the Commission issued an advisory that also reminded businesses of their duty to endeavor to delete personal data without delay once it is no longer needed (Article 22 of the Act), and on October 9 the National Cybersecurity Office of the Cabinet Secretariat issued an advisory calling for continuous checks of contractors’ security measures, among other steps.

Personal data & IT securityBusinesses handling personal information or specific personal information

Temporary reduction of the consumption tax rate on food and beverages (bill)

On October 9, the Cabinet approved the Bill on the Temporary Reduction of the Consumption Tax Rate on Food and Beverages and the Payment of Worker Burden Reduction Support Benefits for Reducing the Burden of Taxes and Social Insurance Premiums, and submitted it to the 222nd (extraordinary) session of the Diet. From April 1, 2027 to March 31, 2029, the consumption tax rate on supplies and imports of food and beverages currently subject to the reduced rate would be 0.78 percent (1 percent including local consumption tax). Supplies under subscription contracts concluded before January 1, 2027 are excluded to the extent the consideration is received before April 1, 2027, as are mail-order sales whose terms were presented before January 1, 2027 and whose orders are accepted before April 1, 2027. The bill also provides special rules on the timing of elections to become a taxable business, a rule treating the deemed input tax credit for businesses under the simplified taxation system and similar regimes as equal to the tax on the eligible supplies, special rules on interim returns, and, on condition that measures are taken to prevent misunderstanding, a special rule allowing tax-inclusive prices based on either the new or the previous rate to be displayed during the two months before and after each rate change. It also creates worker burden reduction support benefits for low- and middle-income workers. Except for certain provisions, the bill would take effect on April 1, 2027.

Tax & transactionsBusinesses that manufacture or sell food and beverages (including subscription and mail-order sales), and providers of POS and ordering systems

Copyright Act amendment (record performance and communication right)

Promulgated on June 24 as Act No. 48 of 2026. The amendment creates a record performance and communication right under which performers and phonogram producers can receive secondary use fees when commercial recordings, such as music CDs and online audio, are publicly played or communicated in shops and other premises. No payment is required in certain cases, such as non-profit, free-of-charge playback. The right is exercised through an organization designated by the Commissioner for Cultural Affairs, which sets the secondary use fees after consultation with user groups and other procedures. It takes effect on a date set by Cabinet Order within three years of promulgation.

IP & copyrightShops and businesses that use commercial recordings, such as for background music; performers and phonogram producers

Draft revision of the Auditing Standards (going concern)

The Audit Committee published its exposure draft on October 16 and opened comments until November 16 at 17:00 JST. It proposes that auditors examine management’s going-concern assessment for at least one year after authorization of the financial statements and include a separate report section even without material uncertainty. For listed companies and similar entities, explanation of the auditor’s work would be required where material uncertainty exists or management used significant judgment to conclude otherwise. Fraud matters would be addressed in practice guidance without amending the standards themselves. Application is proposed from audits of March 2028 year-end financial statements; the draft is not final.

Accounting & disclosureListed companies, corporate auditors and audit committees, and audit firms

Draft amendments to the standard transport terms and conditions for passenger motor vehicle transport businesses (customer harassment)

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism invited public comments on a draft notice amending the standard transport terms and conditions for taxis, scheduled bus services and chartered buses. The draft would add provisions stating that passengers must refrain from customer harassment of drivers and other crew, that crew may ask them to stop, and that the carrier may refuse to accept or continue the carriage if a passenger does not comply. The draft responds to the employer duty to take measures against customer harassment under the amended Act on the Comprehensive Promotion of Labor Policies, which took effect on October 1. Promulgation and entry into force are planned for December 1.

Labor & standard termsTaxi, scheduled bus and chartered bus operators

Recommendations on countermeasures against residential proxies that exploit household IoT devices

A study group of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications published its recommendations, revised in light of the public comment results. For unauthorized access routed through hijacked household IoT devices and other terminals, the recommendations set out example measures, including cooperation under which ISPs notify the relevant subscribers based on IP addresses and other information provided by the police, and ISPs blocking DNS name resolution of command-and-control servers on a shared list. They also explain that such notifications can be treated as legitimate business conduct, so that the infringement of the secrecy of communications is not unlawful.

IT & securityTelecommunications carriers such as ISPs, and IoT device manufacturers

Review of support for balancing work and childcare; draft Basic Policy on Equal Employment Opportunity Measures

The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare is inviting public comments from October 9 to 23:59 on November 7 on a draft full revision of the Basic Policy on Equal Employment Opportunity Measures under Article 4(1) of the Equal Employment Opportunity Act. The revision reflects the 2025 amendment to that Act and the extension of the Act on the Promotion of Women's Participation and Advancement in the Workplace, and the Ministry plans to issue it as a public notice in late December, applying from the date of the notice. The draft calls for prompt administrative guidance and strict responses, including publication of company names, against discrimination based on sex and adverse treatment based on pregnancy or childbirth; advice to employers on whether career-track employment management hinders the expansion of women's roles and their promotion to management; consideration of whether further forms of indirect discrimination should be added; enforcement of the duties to prevent customer harassment and sexual harassment of job seekers, which took effect in October 2026, and of measures against harassment of freelancers; and awareness-raising that insulting remarks about sexual orientation or gender identity, or disclosing them without consent, may constitute power harassment. Support for balancing work and childcare remains under review by the Employment Environment and Equal Employment Subcommittee, and no new employer obligations or effective dates have been finalized.

Labor & HRBusinesses employing workers, and HR and labor staff

Draft storage business guidelines and draft amendments to review standards, etc. under the CCS Business Act

The Agency for Natural Resources and Energy began inviting public comments on draft guidelines for carrying out carbon dioxide storage businesses and on draft amendments to the review standards and related standards for dispositions by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry. Both are open until 23:59 on October 31. These are drafts concerning business permits and operations, and the results of the consultation and the finalized content need to be confirmed.

Energy & permitsBusinesses conducting carbon dioxide storage, etc.

Draft revision of the policy on surveying and evaluating competition in the telecommunications business sector

The Information and Communications Administration and Postal Administration Council began an optional public comment process on a draft revision of the policy on conducting surveys and evaluations of competition and related conditions in the telecommunications business sector. The deadline is 0:00 on October 31, that is, the start of that day. This is a draft evaluation policy for competition policy purposes, and the revisions are not final.

Competition law & telecomTelecommunications carriers, etc.

Amendments to the Torihiki Tekiseika Act Operational Standards and the Freelance Act interpretive guidance

The Japan Fair Trade Commission published amendments reflecting the guidelines on transactions involving intellectual property, know-how and data published in June. It also published the results of the public comment process and reflected the necessary revisions. The amended operational standards and related materials need to be checked regarding the handling of rights and data in connection with development outsourcing and similar arrangements.

IP & transactionsBusinesses that outsource manufacturing, development and similar work, and businesses that outsource work to freelancers

Draft amendments to Cabinet Office Orders, etc. on critical infrastructure under the Economic Security Promotion Act (FSA-related)

The Financial Services Agency published draft Cabinet Office Orders and joint orders revising the items to be stated in installation plans and related matters, reflecting operational improvements to the critical infrastructure system under the amended Act promulgated on June 17. Public comments must arrive by noon on October 31, and the orders are expected to be promulgated and take effect after the subsequent procedures.

Economic security & financeSpecified social infrastructure operators, etc. under FSA jurisdiction

Draft amendment to the Ministerial Ordinance on critical infrastructure under the Economic Security Promotion Act (METI-related)

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry published a draft partial amendment to the ministerial ordinance on specified social infrastructure operators and related matters under its jurisdiction, together with a comparison table of old and new text, and is inviting public comments until 23:59 on October 31. Covered businesses need to check the draft for its impact on filing practice for the installation of equipment and related matters.

Economic securitySpecified social infrastructure operators, etc. under METI jurisdiction

Draft addition of a covered law to the appended table of the Whistleblower Protection Act (Act on Preventing Sexual Violence against Children)

The Consumer Affairs Agency is inviting public comments on a draft Cabinet Order adding the Act on Preventing Sexual Violence against Children to the laws listed in the appended table of the Whistleblower Protection Act. Whistleblowing channels and the handling of the covered violations need to be checked. The draft provides for entry into force on December 25.

Whistleblowing & childrenSchools, childcare and similar businesses, and internal whistleblowing staff

Draft addition of a covered law to the appended table of the Whistleblower Protection Act (civil court case information)

The Consumer Affairs Agency is inviting public comments on a draft Cabinet Order adding the Act on Promotion of the Use of Civil Court Case Information to the laws listed in the appended table of the Whistleblower Protection Act. Under the draft, the effective date is the effective date of that Act.

Whistleblowing & court informationOrganizations handling civil court case information and internal whistleblowing staff

Draft amendment to the reporting order under the Act on Preventing Damage to Important Electronic Computers (minor changes)

The Cabinet Office and other agencies are inviting public comments on a draft amendment to the order that would treat changes such as a change in the manufacturer's name, among the matters notified for specified important electronic computers and related items, as minor changes. The published outline plans entry into force on January 12, 2027. This is a draft review of procedures, separate from the new notification and reporting system that began on October 1.

IT & securitySpecial social infrastructure operators

Draft amendment to the Ministerial Ordinance on critical infrastructure under the Economic Security Promotion Act (MIC-related)

The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications published a draft amendment to the ministerial ordinance on specified social infrastructure operators and related matters under its jurisdiction, together with a comparison table of old and new text, and is inviting public comments until 23:59 on October 31. The draft revises the operation of prior review and notification for the installation of specified critical equipment and related matters.

Economic security & telecomSpecified social infrastructure operators, etc. under MIC jurisdiction

Draft amendment to the Ministerial Ordinance on critical infrastructure under the Economic Security Promotion Act (MLIT-related)

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism is inviting public comments on a draft revising the treatment of business track records before reorganizations, information on equipment suppliers, information on cloud regions and providers, and the filing categories and attached documents for changes, among other matters. Entry into force is planned for January 2027, and the draft needs to be distinguished from finalized rules.

Economic security & transportCovered businesses in railways, motor transport, shipping, aviation, ports, etc.

Draft revision of the policy for evaluating competition in the telecommunications business

The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications is inviting public comments on a draft revision of the policy for evaluating the market for corporate services, the fees, terms of provision and dependency status of cloud services for telecommunications carriers, capital investment, compliance by the NTT Group with the rules that apply to it, and other matters. Under the application guidelines, submissions must arrive by October 30.

Competition policy & telecomTelecommunications carriers and cloud providers

Draft amendment to the public notice designating guidance-mandatory drugs (dried black cohosh extract)

The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare is inviting public comments on a draft public notice adding preparations containing dried black cohosh extract as an active ingredient to guidance-mandatory drugs. The draft plans promulgation and application in December 2026, and the sales category is not yet final. Under the application guidelines, submissions must arrive by October 30.

Pharmaceuticals & sales regulationPharmacies, pharmaceutical sellers, etc.

Draft amendment to the Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health (additional SDS notification items)

On September 28, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare referred an outline of the draft ministerial ordinance for deliberation. The draft would add to the items to be notified for chemical substances the number identifying each component, the appropriate types of respiratory protective equipment and canisters, materials unsuitable for protective gloves, and the classification of the chemical substances in the components. The effective date is stated as April 1, 2030, but the ordinance has not been promulgated.

Chemicals & occupational safetyBusinesses that transfer or provide substances subject to SDS notification, etc.

Draft amendment to the Enforcement Regulations of the Building Sanitation Act (water quality testing for PFOS and PFOA)

Following the establishment of tap water quality standards for PFOS and PFOA, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare is inviting public comments on a draft ministerial ordinance adding both substances to the periodic testing (once every 3 years) of water supplied for drinking and similar uses in specified buildings. Promulgation is planned for November and entry into force 6 months after promulgation (May 2027).

Real estate & building managementOwners, persons with management authority, and building management companies for specified buildings

Interim report of the Study Group on Digital Transactions and the Act on Specified Commercial Transactions, etc.

The Consumer Affairs Agency began an optional public comment process on the interim report. Comments are accepted until 23:59 on October 31. The report is a compilation for future institutional review, and no legal amendments or new obligations have been finalized.

Consumer transactions & digitalMail-order, digital service and similar businesses

Interim report of the Study Group on the Consumer Contract Act

The Consumer Affairs Agency began an optional public comment process on the interim report of the Study Group on the Consumer Contract Act, which considers consumer transactions in modern society. Comments are accepted until 23:59 on October 31. The content of any legal amendments and their effective date have not yet been decided.

Consumer transactions & contractsBusinesses entering into contracts with consumers

Draft ministerial ordinance expanding the "Medical Services" status of residence

The Immigration Services Agency is inviting public comments on a draft ministerial ordinance adding dental technicians and speech-language-hearing therapists to the "Medical Services" status of residence and updating application forms and related materials. Promulgation and entry into force are planned for November. The deadline is 0:00 on October 16, that is, the start of that day.

Foreign employment & healthcareEmployers such as medical institutions and dental laboratories

Draft amendments to the Regulation on Financial Statements, etc. (response to accounting standard amendments)

The Financial Services Agency is inviting public comments on draft amendments to regulations and guidelines, and to the public notice on designated accounting standards, responding to the draft amendments to the accounting standard for income taxes, the accounting treatment of electronic payment instruments and other matters. The application dates of some parts are expected to depend on the finalized content of the related accounting standards.

Accounting & disclosureCompanies submitting financial statements, accounting and finance staff, and auditors

Draft amendment to the Comprehensive Guidelines for Supervision of Insurance Companies (in-house agencies and Antimonopoly Act compliance systems)

The Financial Services Agency began inviting public comments on a draft amendment to the supervisory guidelines covering the restructuring of the regulations on in-house agencies, the establishment of Antimonopoly Act compliance systems, and more sophisticated monitoring of non-life insurance products for businesses, among other matters. The draft is based on the recommendations in the reports of an expert panel and a Financial System Council working group, and the application date is expected to be set after the procedures that follow the public comment process.

Finance & insuranceInsurance companies, insurance agencies, and operating companies with in-house agencies

Draft Cabinet Order amending the Order for Enforcement of the Industrial Competitiveness Enhancement Act and the Order for Enforcement of the Registration and License Tax Act

In preparation for the partial entry into force of the amended Industrial Competitiveness Enhancement Act (planned for October 30, 2026), the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is inviting public comments on a draft Cabinet Order setting out the scope of specified businesses (500 or fewer employees for the software, information processing services and inn businesses), the scope of specified businesses relating to business succession and similar matters, the specified permits and licenses relating to business adaptation plans for reduced demand for livelihood-sustaining goods and services, etc. (permits under the Road Transportation Act and the Motor Truck Transportation Business Act, etc.), insurance premium rates for related guarantees, provisions on the conversion of workers' cooperatives into stock companies, and other matters. In the Order for Enforcement of the Registration and License Tax Act, workers' cooperatives are added to the scope of business cooperatives and similar entities.

Business restructuring & regional economyBusinesses considering business adaptation plans, workers' cooperatives, and licensed businesses

Draft amendment to the Order for Enforcement of the Economic Security Promotion Act (adding ECMO to specified critical products)

The Cabinet Office began inviting public comments on a draft Cabinet Order adding extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to ventilators as a specified critical product. This broadens the scope of support for securing stable supply, with promulgation planned for the end of October 2026 and entry into force on the date of promulgation. The deadline for comments is 0:00 on October 10.

Economic security & medical devicesMedical device manufacturers and businesses involved in medical device supply chains

Draft amendment to the Guidelines on Carrying Out Business Adaptation

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is inviting public comments on a draft amendment to the guidelines that sets out the certification criteria for business adaptation plans responding to rising prices, the requirements for financial support and other matters. The draft concerns efforts such as improving productivity and developing new demand, and the guidelines are not final.

Business support & financeCompanies considering business adaptation plans and financial institutions

Draft amendment to the Enforcement Regulations of the Industrial Competitiveness Enhancement Act

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry published a draft order setting out procedures such as certification applications and attached documents for business adaptation in response to rising prices and to reduced demand for livelihood-sustaining goods and services, among other things. Comments are accepted until October 7.

Business support & restructuringCompanies and others applying for certification of business adaptation plans

Draft order on the certification of support organizations for business adaptation to reduced demand for livelihood-sustaining goods and services, etc.

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry published a draft order setting out, for organizations that support business adaptation in response to reduced demand for livelihood-sustaining goods and services and similar circumstances, certification requirements such as expertise and practical experience, applications and renewals, notifications of changes and other matters. It is at the public comment stage.

Business support & regional economyOrganizations supporting business adaptation and local businesses

Draft guidelines on carrying out business adaptation to reduced demand for livelihood-sustaining goods and services, etc.

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is inviting public comments on draft guidelines for maintaining the supply of goods and services necessary for daily life in response to changes in demand resulting from population decline and other factors. The draft covers efforts such as rationalizing and diversifying businesses and improving efficiency across regions.

Business support & regional economyBusinesses supplying goods and services necessary for daily life, etc.

Draft ministerial ordinances on minor changes, conversion into stock companies, etc. under the Industrial Competitiveness Enhancement Act

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is inviting public comments on draft ministerial ordinances setting out minor changes to implementation guidelines, accounting and electromagnetic records in connection with the conversion of certified workers' cooperatives into stock companies, financial requirements for the certification of business adaptation plans, and other matters. Comments are accepted until October 8.

Business restructuring & regional economyBusinesses considering certification of business adaptation plans, workers' cooperatives, etc.

Draft basic policy on the breeding and seed and seedling production of important varieties

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries is inviting public comments on a draft basic policy to promote the breeding and seed and seedling production of important varieties. It covers the content of breeding business plans and similar plans, the use of AI and other advanced technologies, and the protection of breeders' rights and compliance with license agreements. This is a draft, not a finalized policy.

IP & agricultureSeed companies, variety breeding organizations, and agriculture-related businesses

Draft Cabinet Order on abolishing the renewal system for care managers and revising their training

The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare is inviting public comments on draft amendments to the Order for Enforcement of the Long-Term Care Insurance Act and related orders. They set out the requirements for designating and revoking the designation of training attendance management organizations, the sending of lists of persons who have completed training, and other matters. The published outline plans entry into force on December 1, 2027.

Business regulation & long-term careCare managers, long-term care providers, and training organizations

Draft MLIT ministerial ordinances in connection with the amendment to the Logistics Efficiency Act

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism began inviting public comments on draft amendments to the related ministerial ordinances in connection with the entry into force of the amendment to the Act on Improving the Efficiency of the Distribution of Goods. It published comparison tables of old and new provisions and an outline, and comments are accepted until 13:00 on October 4.

Logistics & business regulationLogistics operators, etc.

Economic Security Promotion Act (draft amendment to the policy on securing stable supply of cloud programs)

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry began a public comment process on a draft amendment to the policy for securing stable supply of programs used in systems that provide information processing for others via the internet and similar means. Relevant to practice concerning the supply and development base for cloud programs.

IT & securityBusinesses providing or developing cloud programs, etc.

Draft amendment to the Enforcement Regulations of the Employment Insurance Act (subsidy for improving the working environment of foreign workers)

The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare began a public comment process on a draft ministerial ordinance that, for the subsidy course for improving the working environment of foreign workers, classifies the appointment of an employment and labor manager, a complaint and consultation system, and multilingual work rules and similar materials as mandatory measures, and changes the subsidy cap to JPY 250,000 in principle. Promulgation and entry into force are planned for October 2026, with a planned transitional measure applying the previous requirements and subsidy amounts to plans certified before entry into force.

Labor & HRBusinesses employing foreign workers and using the subsidy

Draft amendment to the Passenger Motor Vehicle Transportation Business Regulations (contracted transport using hire cars, etc.)

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism began a public comment process on a draft ministerial ordinance requiring general passenger car transportation businesses, when performing contracted transport using hire cars, to issue and retain transport acceptance documents and to prepare, retain and carry operation instruction documents, among other things. The documents may also be handled by certain electronic methods, and entry into force is planned for October 1, 2026.

Business regulationGeneral passenger car transportation businesses and operation managers

Draft amendments to the Enforcement Regulations of the Health Insurance Act, etc. (partially non-covered treatment)

The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare began a public comment process on a draft ministerial ordinance establishing the notifications, communications and forms to be used by insurance medical institutions, insurers and others, in order to carry out partially non-covered treatment under a law enacted in 2026. Entry into force is planned for March 1, 2027.

Healthcare & insuranceInsurance medical institutions, health insurance societies, insurers, etc.

Draft revision of the VC practice guidelines (VCRHs)

The Financial Services Agency began a public comment process on a draft revision of "Recommended and Expected Practices for Venture Capital," reflecting compliance issues at portfolio companies, conflict-of-interest risk management and other matters. Relevant to VC governance, information provision to LPs, support for portfolio companies, exit strategies and other practices.

Finance & startupsVCs, CVCs, GPs, LPs, and portfolio startups

Amendment to the Economic Security Promotion Act (specified overseas businesses): draft basic policy and orders

The Cabinet Office began a public comment process on drafts including basic guidelines for promoting overseas businesses that are important for economic security and orders setting out applications for certification of business plans, changes, implementation status reports and related matters. Relevant to financial support from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) for certified businesses.

Economic security & overseas investmentCompanies and financial institutions conducting overseas businesses in critical products, infrastructure, etc.

Draft revision of the Merger Guidelines

The Japan Fair Trade Commission began a public comment process on a draft revision that expressly provides that supply stability, environmental performance, and the creation of new products through increased investment and innovation will be considered as pro-competitive effects, and that market conditions over the long term will also be considered for import pressure, efficiencies and other factors.

M&A & competition lawM&A parties, shareholders, FAs, and LAs

Draft amendment to the Personal Information Protection Commission Public Notice (leak reporting in cyberattacks)

The Personal Information Protection Commission began a public comment process on a draft amendment to the public notice that adds a common form for government offices for cyberattacks and similar incidents other than ransomware, and allows leak reports under the APPI and the My Number Act to be filed through the public-private collaboration platform. Entry into force is planned for October 1, 2026.

Personal data & IT securityBusinesses and others that have suffered leaks of personal data or specific personal information due to cyberattacks

Act on Preventing Damage to Important Electronic Computers: draft reporting orders, forms and explanatory materials

In addition to a draft amendment to the order on reports of specified intrusion events and similar incidents by special social infrastructure operators, the Cabinet Office and other agencies began public comment processes on draft report forms under Article 4, Paragraph 2 of the Act and related provisions on July 13, and on draft explanatory materials on the notification system for specified important electronic computers and the reporting system for specified intrusion events and similar incidents on July 15. Relevant to cyber reporting practice for critical infrastructure.

IT & securitySpecial social infrastructure operators and critical infrastructure operators

Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act: draft amended enforcement orders, orders and public notices

The Ministry of Finance began a public comment process on draft Cabinet Orders, orders, public notices and related rules on inward direct investment and similar transactions in connection with the entry into force of the amendment to the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act. Relevant to investment screening practice, including prior notification, designated business sectors and specified technologies.

Foreign exchange & investment screeningForeign investors, listed companies, and M&A participants

Draft revision of the Article 26 guidelines under the Information Distribution Platform Act

The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications began a public comment process on a draft revision of the illegal information guidelines relating to Article 26 of the Act on Measures against Rights Infringement, etc. through Specified Telecommunications. Relevant to responses to rights infringement on platforms.

IT & platformsSocial media, user-posting services, and platform operators

Act on Ensuring Proper Transactions with Small and Medium-sized Entrustees and Freelance Act: draft operational standards

The Japan Fair Trade Commission began a public comment process on draft operational standards for the Act on Ensuring Proper Transactions with Small and Medium-sized Entrustees and draft interpretive guidance for the Freelance Act. Relevant to practical guidance on the clear statement of order terms, payment delays, prohibited conduct and other matters.

Transactions & contractsOrdering businesses, entrusted businesses, and freelance transactions

Guidelines and model contracts for transactions involving intellectual property rights, know-how and data

The Japan Fair Trade Commission and other bodies published guidelines on abuse of a superior bargaining position and related issues in transactions involving intellectual property rights, know-how and data, together with model contracts. Relevant to contract practice for development outsourcing, joint research and data transactions. On October 9, the Japan Fair Trade Commission launched a web questionnaire survey of 50,000 businesses (responses due by November 5) to understand, from the perspective of both ordering parties and contractors, how the conduct identified in the guidelines as potentially problematic under the Antimonopoly Act occurs in practice; it plans to follow up with interviews and to send warning letters to businesses found to engage in conduct that may lead to violations.

IP & transactionsBusinesses engaged in development outsourcing, joint research and data transactions

Digital Agency Guidelines on the Procurement and Use of Generative AI, Version 2.0

The Digital Agency published the results of the public comment process on a draft revision of the guidelines on rules for the procurement and use of generative AI systems in government, together with Version 2.0. It includes a procurement checklist, a contract checklist and other materials.

AI governanceBusinesses providing or contracted to build generative AI systems, and businesses involved in government procurement

Artificial Intelligence Basic Plan (Phase II)

The Government adopted by Cabinet decision Phase II of the Artificial Intelligence Basic Plan under the AI Act. With a basic policy of "Japan AX," in which "trustworthy AI" drives society as a whole, it sets out a review of the systems of government, industry, daily life and crisis management, a domestic AI development base, AI safety evaluation, a public-private promotion structure, and other matters.

AI governanceBusinesses that develop, provide or use AI

Draft public notices under the Industrial Safety and Health Act and the Working Environment Measurement Act

The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare began a public comment process on draft public notices and training rules concerning training for sampling assistants in working environment measurement and related matters. The underlying draft ministerial ordinance is planned to take effect on October 1, 2026.

Labor & occupational safetyBusinesses handling chemical substances and working environment measurement organizations

Guidelines for Corporate Takeovers: draft interpretation, draft key points and draft Q&A

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry began a public comment process on a draft interpretation, draft key points and a draft Q&A intended to promote a more accurate understanding of the purpose of the Guidelines for Corporate Takeovers formulated in 2023, while maintaining the guidelines themselves.

M&A & corporateListed companies, acquirers, shareholders, and FAs/LAs

Act on Security Transfer Agreements and Retention of Title Agreements

Codifies the rules on security transfers and retention of title over movables, receivables and other assets. Enacted and promulgated; takes effect on a date set by Cabinet Order within 2 years and 6 months of promulgation.

Transactions & contractsBusinesses engaged in secured transactions

Expansion of employees' pension and health insurance coverage (the JPY 1.06 million barrier)

Abolishes the wage requirement for short-time workers (JPY 88,000 per month) and abolishes the company size requirement in stages (the company size requirement from October 2027 to October 2035; the date for abolishing the wage requirement will be designated separately by Cabinet Order).

Labor & HRAll businesses

Amendment to the Act on the Protection of Personal Information (APPI), etc.

Promulgated on July 17, 2026. The amendment includes administrative monetary penalties, rules for personal information relating to children under 16, requests to stop the use of specified biometric personal information, prohibitions on improper use and acquisition of contactable personally referable information, and exceptions to consent for third-party provision for certain statistical purposes. Except for some provisions, it takes effect on a date set by Cabinet Order within two years of promulgation. Following the first set on September 16, the PPC adopted a second set of proposals for implementing orders and rules on October 1, covering statistical-processing exceptions, contractors’ handling of personal data, and breach reporting and notification. On October 14 it adopted a third set covering improper use and acquisition of contactable personally referable information, stronger opt-out rules and administrative monetary penalties. Guidelines will be considered in stages; publication of these proposals does not mean that the rules have taken effect.

GovernancePersonal information handling business operators

Amendment to the Labor Standards Act

Alongside issues such as consecutive working days, the Labor Conditions Subcommittee discussed measures to promote rest intervals between shifts, including their legal status, rules for out-of-hours contact or a right to disconnect, and accurate recording of working hours on October 14. The next meeting is scheduled for October 23. Specific duties and effective dates remain undecided; a uniform mandatory rest interval has not been adopted.

Labor & HRAll businesses