This page is provided for informational and comparative-law research purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Structure of the Act
| Chapter | Subject |
|---|---|
| Chapter I | General Provisions |
| Chapter II | Basic Measures |
| Chapter III | Basic AI Plan |
| Chapter IV | AI Strategy Headquarters |
| Supplementary Provisions | Enforcement and Future Review |
Article-by-Article Guide
Chapter I — General Provisions
Article 1 — Purpose
Defines AI policy as a national strategic priority and establishes the overall policy objectives of the Act.
Article 2 — Definitions
Provides legal definitions relating to AI-related technologies.
Article 3 — Basic Principles
Introduces principles such as trust, transparency, international cooperation, and balanced development.
Article 4 — Responsibilities of the State
Establishes the national government’s role in policy planning and administrative implementation.
Article 5 — Responsibilities of Local Governments
Clarifies the role of prefectures and municipalities in regional AI policy.
Article 6 — Responsibilities of Research Institutions
Addresses research promotion, human resource development, and institutional cooperation.
Article 7 — Responsibilities of Business Operators
Encourages businesses to appropriately utilize AI technologies and cooperate with government measures.
Article 8 — Responsibilities of Citizens
Provides a general expectation that citizens cooperate with relevant policy measures.
Article 9 — Strengthening Cooperation
Promotes coordination among public and private stakeholders.
Article 10 — Legislative and Financial Measures
Authorizes the government to adopt necessary legislative, fiscal, and administrative measures.
Chapter II — Basic Measures
Article 11 — Promotion of Research and Development
Promotes AI research ranging from fundamental science to applied technologies.
Article 12 — Shared Facilities and Infrastructure
Encourages the shared use of facilities, equipment, datasets, and research infrastructure.
Article 13 — Ensuring Appropriate Utilization
Provides the basis for governance-oriented guidelines concerning ethics, transparency, reliability, and appropriate utilization.
Article 14 — Human Resource Development
Promotes development of diverse AI-related expertise and professional talent.
Article 15 — Promotion of Education
Supports AI education and public awareness initiatives.
Article 16 — Research and Risk Analysis
Encourages investigation into AI-related risks and countermeasures.
Article 17 — International Cooperation
Promotes international coordination and participation in global rulemaking initiatives.
Chapter III — Basic AI Plan
Article 18 — Basic AI Plan
Requires the government to formulate a national AI strategy plan.
Chapter IV — AI Strategy Headquarters
Article 19 — Establishment
Creates the AI Strategy Headquarters within the Cabinet structure.
Article 20 — Jurisdiction
Defines responsibilities relating to national AI policy coordination.
Articles 21–24 — Organizational Structure
Defines the composition and leadership structure of the Headquarters.
Article 25 — Requests for Cooperation
Authorizes requests for materials and cooperation from relevant institutions.
Articles 26–28 — Administrative Provisions
Provides administrative and procedural provisions.
Major Guidelines and Related Materials
Government AI Guidelines
Cabinet Decision
Headquarters Decision
Business Guidelines
Government Procurement and Public Administration
Medical and Healthcare AI
Education
Related Japanese Legislation
Core Legislation
- Japan AI Act
- Basic Act on Science, Technology and Innovation
- Basic Act on the Formation of a Digital Society
Cabinet Orders
- Order Specifying the Enforcement Date of Certain Provisions of the Act
- AI Strategy Headquarters Order
Comparative Governance Perspective
Japan’s AI governance model differs significantly from the EU approach.
Whereas the EU AI Act emphasizes ex ante risk regulation and legally binding compliance obligations, Japan’s framework relies more heavily on:
- administrative coordination,
- industrial policy,
- soft-law guidance,
- and gradual institutional adaptation.
This reflects broader characteristics of Japanese governance culture, including consensus-oriented policymaking and ministry-led coordination.
About the Author
FUJI Osamu is a Japanese attorney and policy researcher focusing on AI governance, comparative law, lobbying regulation, and rulemaking processes in Japan.
He previously conducted AI-related legal research at the Institute of Legal Sciences, Meiji Gakuin University, and has written extensively on Japanese AI law, lobbying regulation, and comparative governance systems.