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In Effect Law AI Safety

Japan AI Act

AI Promotion Act

Creates "duty to make reasonable efforts" (not strict requirements) to follow AI principles. Establishes AI Strategy Center. Largely non-binding, consistent with Japan's "soft law" tradition.

Jurisdiction

Japan

Enacted

May 1, 2025

Effective

Sep 1, 2025

Enforcement

TBD

Enacted May 2025; full effect Sep 2025 (timing varies by source)

Japan Cabinet Office

Why It Matters

Represents "soft law + industrial policy" approach. Influences procurement and norms rather than punishing non-compliance.

Recent Developments

AI Business Guidelines (Version 1.1, March 2025) provide detailed voluntary guidance. Directors should adhere as part of fiduciary duties.

At a Glance

Requires

Transparency

Who Must Comply

  • AI developers and users (voluntary compliance)

Obligations fall on:

Safety Provisions

  • Duty to make reasonable efforts to follow AI principles
  • Establishment of AI Strategy Center
  • Non-binding guidance framework

Compliance & Enforcement

Key Dates

Sep 1, 2025

All provisions take effect

View on map

Japan

Focus Areas

General regulation

Cite This

APA

Japan. (2025). AI Promotion Act.

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All regulations See what's likely relevant to your deployment

Last updated January 23, 2026. Verify against primary sources before relying on this information.