Japan's new Principles-Code for generative AI lets a rights holder preparing legal action, and a user of the service, ask whether a given URL is in a model's training data. Under Japan's analysis of AI and copyright, the answer bears directly on reliance in an infringement claim. Filings open on 26 October 2026.

From February 2027, Japan's foreign investment screening will no longer designate software and information processing services as broad categories. A defined list takes over, and whether a Japanese tech company is on it depends on what its product does, what it was designed to handle and what technology the company holds. Fewer software investments will need a filing, while investors in higher-risk categories face new requirements.

On 25 September 2026, Japan's FSA launched the On-Chain Finance Forum for the AI Era, a cross-government body chaired by the Minister of State for Financial Services. Two study groups will take the work forward alongside it, covering the rules for stablecoins, DeFi and wallets, and AI in finance.

Whether an event contract offered in Japan is a regulated derivative or illegal gambling depends on what the contract is about. For elections and sports, there is currently no registration or licence to apply for.

Japanese law recognises three kinds of stablecoin issuer: fund transfer service providers, trust companies and banks. Which route fits depends on two questions: how large each transfer needs to be, and whether you can hold the licence yourself.

Software companies serving Japan may need a telecom notification even without a local office or servers. The key question is whether the service carries communications between users.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Navigate Japan's corporate tax system with this high-level overview designed for foreign businesses looking to establish a presence in the Japanese market.