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Cover Image for Japan Is Moving Crypto Under Securities Law: A Practitioner's Read on the FIEA Migration
Japan is moving crypto-asset regulation from the Payment Services Act to the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act. A practitioner's read on what the 2026 bill actually changes, and what foreign operators should do before the new rules take effect.
Masayuki Tani

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Cover Image for Japan's FDI Regime Grows Teeth: What the 2026 FEFTA Reform and 'J-CFIUS' Mean for Inbound M&A
Japan has passed the most significant overhaul of its foreign investment screening law in years. The 2026 FEFTA amendments pull indirect acquisitions into scope, give the government post-closing call-in powers, and build a CFIUS-style inter-agency review framework. Here is what foreign investors and acquirers planning deals in Japan need to know.
Masayuki Tani
Cover Image for Japan Moves to Relax Premium Giveaway Caps: What the Regulatory Reform Council's April 2026 Discussion Means for Foreign Businesses
Japan's Regulatory Reform Promotion Council is reviewing the decades-old caps on "bundled premiums" under the Premiums and Representations Act. The proposed relaxation could reshape how startups and foreign businesses run sign-up bonuses, referral campaigns, and giveaway marketing in Japan.
Masayuki Tani
Cover Image for Japan's JFTC Is Cracking Down on Unfair Business Practices: What the Abuse of Superior Bargaining Position Reform Means for Foreign Companies
Japan's Fair Trade Commission is intensifying enforcement against abuse of superior bargaining position — a uniquely Japanese competition law concept that applies even without market dominance. With 2026 reforms to the Subcontracting Act and updated JFTC guidelines, foreign companies operating in Japan face heightened compliance risks in their dealings with local business partners.
Masayuki Tani
Cover Image for Japan's Enterprise Value Charge: What the New Floating Charge-Like Security Interest Means for Foreign Businesses
Japan introduces the Enterprise Value Charge on May 25, 2026 — its first all-asset security interest in 120 years. Here is how it compares with UK floating charges and US UCC filings, and what foreign businesses need to know.
Masayuki Tani
Cover Image for Japan's AI Regulation in 2026: What the AI Promotion Act and Updated Guidelines Mean for Foreign Businesses
Japan now has a three-pillar AI governance framework: the AI Promotion Act, updated AI Business Guidelines v1.1, and existing legal frameworks. Here is how it compares with the EU AI Act and Singapore's Agentic AI Framework, and what foreign businesses need to know.
Masayuki Tani
Cover Image for Japan's Privacy Law Is Getting Teeth: What the 2026 APPI Amendments Mean for Foreign Businesses
Japan is introducing administrative fines to its personal information protection law for the first time, alongside new rules on cookies, children's data, biometric information, and commissioned data processing. Here is what foreign companies operating in Japan need to know about the 2026 APPI amendments.
Masayuki Tani
Cover Image for Japan's Subcontract Act Just Changed: What the New Proper Transactions Act Means for Foreign Businesses
Japan's Subcontract Act underwent major amendments effective January 1, 2026, expanding its scope to cover more businesses through employee-based criteria, banning promissory note payments, and mandating price negotiations. Here is what foreign companies operating in Japan need to know.
Masayuki Tani
Cover Image for Japan Employment Compliance Guide for SMEs: Essential Requirements and Procedures
A comprehensive overview of employment compliance requirements for small and medium-sized enterprises operating in Japan. Covering administrative procedures, mandatory insurance enrollments, employment contracts, and legal obligations when hiring both Japanese and foreign employees.
Masayuki Tani
Cover Image for マーシャル諸島のDAO法について
マーシャル諸島のDAO法は、LLCを通じてDAOを設立・運営を可能にし、メンバーの責任を限定し、柔軟なガバナンスを認める法律です。その概要について説明し、一部日本への示唆についての考えも述べます。
Masayuki Tani
Cover Image for Understanding Japanese Licensed Professionals: Essential Guide for Foreign Businesses
A comprehensive guide to Japan's primary licensed specialists—Attorneys (Bengoshi), Judicial Scriveners (Shiho-shoshi), Administrative Scriveners (Gyosei-shoshi), Labor and Social Security Attorneys (Shakai Hoken Romushi), Certified Public Accountants (Kounin Kaikeishi), Tax Accountants (Zeirishi), and Patent Attorneys (Benrishi)—and their specific roles in supporting international clients.
Masayuki Tani
Cover Image for Expanding to Japan: Choosing the Right Business Structure
Japan offers multiple business structures for foreign entrants: Kabushiki Kaisha (KK), Godo Kaisha (GK), and sole proprietorship. This article explains their features, benefits, and considerations to help choose the optimal structure.
Masayuki Tani
Cover Image for Overview of Japan Blockchain Regulations
The article covers Japan's approach to cryptocurrency regulation, government policies, and the involvement of various ministries in crafting a conducive environment for Web3 and blockchain technology. It provides an overview of the legal and regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies, including key statutes and considerations for business types like exchanges, stablecoins, DeFi, DAOs, NFTs, and more within the Japanese context.
Masayuki Tani
Cover Image for MEVの規制を巡る論点と最新の動向
MEVを巡る規制の是非について、証券監督者国際機構(IOSCO)のレポートとそれに反対するパブリック・コメントを紹介しつつ、日本法の観点から検討します。
Masayuki Tani
Cover Image for EUのMiCA規制がブロックチェーン業界に与える影響と事業者の対応
EUで制定が進められているMiCA規制は、クリプト業界に大きな影響を与える可能性があります。本記事では、MiCA規制の背景、概要、事業者が留意すべき点、および今後の展望について解説します。
Masayuki Tani
Cover Image for Understanding Japan's Corporate Tax System: A Simple Guide for Foreign Businesses
Navigate Japan's corporate tax system with this high-level overview designed for foreign businesses looking to establish a presence in the Japanese market.
Masayuki Tani