Global compliance guide

Japan Technology Compliance Hub

Plain English guide to tech regulation in Japan — updated July 2026

1. AI Guidelines for Business

What it is: METI and MIC guidance consolidating principles for responsible AI developers, providers, and business users.
Who it applies to: Organisations developing, providing, or using AI in Japan, with controls scaled to role and risk.
Key deadlines: No statutory deadline; governance and monitoring are expected throughout the AI lifecycle.
Penalties for non-compliance: No direct penalty because the guidelines are generally voluntary, though other laws still apply.

Not sure if this applies to you? The free audit takes 4 minutes.

What it is: Japan's main law governing acquisition, use, security, transfer, and disclosure of personal information.
Who it applies to: Business operators handling personal information in Japan, including some overseas operators serving people in Japan.
Key deadlines: Ongoing. Certain qualifying data breaches must be reported promptly to the PPC and affected individuals.
Penalties for non-compliance: Corporate fines for certain serious violations can reach ¥100 million, alongside orders and reputational consequences.

Not sure if this applies to you? The free audit takes 4 minutes.

Operating across multiple jurisdictions? NudgeCompliant maps your obligations across all of them in one audit.

This guide is for information only — not legal advice. Requirements change, so confirm critical decisions with a qualified professional.

Tell us what technology you use and where you operate. Get a plain-English readout of what matters — and what doesn't.

No account. No card. Start with the obligations that matter now.