Initiative overview
Japan’s Act on the Promotion of Research and Development and Utilization of Artificial Intelligence-Related Technologies (AI Act), enacted on 28 May 2025, is the country’s first law specifically addressing artificial intelligence. It establishes a national framework to promote AI research, development, and use, and sets out general principles and governance arrangements.
The Act functions as a “fundamental law,” defining broad policy directions rather than detailed regulatory requirements. It provides for the development of a “Basic AI Plan” to guide and coordinate government action, alongside institutional structures for centralised policy oversight. It outlines roles for public authorities and private actors involved in AI, including expectations that businesses align with government policies and principles. It also enables future legislative, financial, and administrative measures to support AI.
The Act does not establish detailed compliance obligations or penalties, focusing instead on principles, coordination, and policy frameworks.
