Japan’s AI Act, Key Provisions and its Significance

Explore Japan's AI Act regulatory landscape, including the 2025 AI Promotion Bill and the AI Guidelines for Business Ver1.0. Learn how Japan balances innovation with ethical considerations through a risk-based, collaborative approach to AI governance.

Table of Contents

Context: In May 2025, Japan introduced a law on the Promotion of Research, Development, and Utilisation of Artificial Intelligence.

Key Provisions of Japan’s AI Act

Creation of Strategic AI Headquarters: A central AI command center is to be set up, involving the Prime Minister and the full Cabinet.
- It will be responsible for drafting and implementing a basic national plan for AI research, development, and deployment.
Basic Principles for AI Development and Use: Emphasizes enhancing international competitiveness, promoting the comprehensive and systematic development and utilization of AI, ensuring transparency in AI processes, and fostering international cooperation.
Defined Responsibilities for Stakeholders: Assigns roles to national and local governments, research institutions, businesses, and citizens.
- Businesses are expected to actively leverage AI to improve productivity, enhance operations, and foster new industries.
- They are also required to cooperate with policy measures implemented by national and local authorities.
Government Policy Measures: The national government is tasked with several policy measures, including promoting research and development, developing and sharing infrastructure necessary for AI advancement, monitoring global AI trends, and establishing countermeasures against misuse that infringes on individual rights.
National AI Strategy: Mandates the formulation of a comprehensive national plan for AI development and utilisation.

Significance of Japan’s Al Act

Balanced Approach: Promotes Al innovation while ensuring ethical use and safety.
Tech Leadership: Reinforces Japan’s role as a global tech leader and aligns with its tech-focused economic strategies
Public Trust: Boosts transparency and addresses concerns about privacy, jobs, and Al accountability
Business Integration: Supports Al adoption across industries, with major firms already implementing Al tools
Global Positioning: Demonstrates Japan’s commitment to responsible Al amid international tech and security concerns