Law Changes Calendar | Japanese Law Changes in 2026 and 2027 and the Corporate Legal Schedule
This page lists the effective-date schedule of Japanese law changes affecting corporate legal affairs, with effective dates, outlines of the changes and the businesses affected. Based on information published by ministries, agencies, e-Gov and other sources as of October 3, 2026, it summarizes upcoming changes and major recent amendments.
Upcoming effective dates (law changes by year and month)
Major changes scheduled to take effect from today onward, organized by year and by month of entry into force.
Law changes taking effect in 2026
8 major law changes scheduled to take effect in October–December 2026 to December 2026, by month of entry into force, with an outline of each change and the businesses affected. Individual effective dates and the content of the changes may change under future Cabinet Orders and other rules.
October–December 2026
1 itemRevision of regional minimum wages (FY2026)
Taking effect in stages from October 1. The minimum wage will be JPY 1,279 in Kanagawa Prefecture and JPY 1,092 in Kagawa Prefecture. The national weighted average of the recommended amounts in the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's nationwide list is JPY 1,177 (up JPY 56 from the previous fiscal year). Because effective dates differ by region, check the confirmed amount and effective date with the Labour Bureau that has jurisdiction over each workplace and reflect them in payroll.
October 2026
1 itemAmendments to Cabinet Orders and Cabinet Office Orders under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act (paperless depositary receipts)
Clarifies that the rights to be represented on depositary receipts issued without certificates are securities, and updates the related disclosure documents and other requirements. Promulgated on September 15; this part takes effect on October 5.
November 2026
3 itemsShift of the consumption tax exemption system to a refund model (tax-free shop system)
Tax-free sales to foreign tourists will change to a model under which the exemption is established when it is confirmed at departure that the tax-exempt goods are being taken out of Japan. On September 17, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry published a preparation guide for tax-free shops that sets out matters to confirm with approved transmission service providers, checks of in-house systems, guidance for travelers, and other items.
Amendment to the Logistics Efficiency Act (relay transport)
Creates a certification system for truck relay transport implementation plans to reduce the burden on truck drivers and secure transport capacity (Act No. 21 of 2026). The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism is inviting public comments until 14:00 on October 14 on draft standards for arrival time display devices at specified truck relay transport facilities, and its summary material states that the amended Act takes effect on November 1.
Digitalization of administrative monetary penalty hearing procedures (Cabinet Office Orders under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act and the Certified Public Accountants Act)
With the partial entry into force of the 2023 amendments to the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act and related laws, this sets out the matters needed to digitalize the hearing procedures for administrative monetary penalty payment orders under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act and the Certified Public Accountants Act. Promulgated on September 16; takes effect on November 30.
December 2026
3 itemsAmendment to the Whistleblower Protection Act
Strengthens the requirements for internal whistleblowing systems, expands the scope of protected whistleblowers, and introduces direct criminal penalties for retaliatory treatment (with a presumption applied to dismissal and similar measures).
Early Business Restructuring Act
Creates a system that allows financial debts to be adjusted before formal insolvency proceedings, through a majority vote of financial creditors and court approval. Ministerial ordinances, public notices and a Q&A have also been published.
Act on Preventing Sexual Violence against Children (Japanese DBS)
Requires schools, childcare providers and similar businesses to check the sex-crime records of staff and others, and creates a certification system for private-sector businesses.
Law changes taking effect in 2027
4 major law changes scheduled to take effect in January 2027 to October 2027, by month of entry into force, with an outline of each change and the businesses affected. Individual effective dates and the content of the changes may change under future Cabinet Orders and other rules.
January 2027
2 itemsDraft amendment to the Regulations under the Trademark Act (International Classification 13-2027 edition)
The Japan Patent Office is inviting public comments from September 18 until 23:59 on October 19 on a draft ministerial ordinance amending the examples of goods and services in the appended table of the Regulations under the Trademark Act, following revisions to the international classification under the Nice Agreement and other changes. There are 10 amendments, of which 8 follow the revision of the international classification and 2 clarify wording and similar matters. Promulgation is planned for December 2026 and entry into force for January 1, 2027, to coincide with the effective date of the international classification, with a transitional measure under which the prior rules continue to apply to the classes for applications filed before entry into force. The draft Examination Guidelines for Similar Goods and Services [International Classification 13-2027 edition] are also open for public comment from the same day.
Valuation of rental real estate (draft interpretive circular)
The National Tax Agency is inviting public comments from September 18 until 17:00 on October 18 on a draft interpretive circular establishing a new valuation method for rental real estate for inheritance tax and gift tax purposes. Rental real estate acquired or otherwise obtained within the 5 years before the taxation date, and the real estate underlying specified fractionalized products created through real estate specified joint enterprises and similar arrangements, would in principle be valued at their ordinary transaction value as of the taxation date (with exceptions, such as where the acquisition price is recognized as equivalent to the ordinary transaction value). The draft follows the policy in the FY2026 Tax Reform Outline and would apply to property acquired through inheritance, bequest or gift on or after January 1, 2027.
April 2027
1 itemAmended Logistics Special Designation and Public Notice on Payments for Manufacturing Contracts, etc.
Strengthens measures against unjust changes to the content of services, redoing of work and similar practices in logistics transactions, and establishes rules requiring, among other things, payment within 60 days of the consideration for manufacturing contracts and similar transactions.
October 2027
1 itemAmendment to the Comprehensive Guidelines for Supervision of Financial Instruments Business Operators, etc. (liquidity risk management for publicly offered investment trusts)
An amendment requiring investment management business operators to address liquidity risk management for publicly offered investment trusts, based on IOSCO's recommendations on liquidity risk management for collective investment schemes and related materials. Published on September 16 together with the results of the public comment process; applies from October 1, 2027.
Recently effective changes
Major changes that took effect from 2025 to the present (newest first).
Amendment to the Technical Guidelines on Concentration Standards for Chemical Substances, etc.
The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare published Technical Guidelines Public Notice No. 30, applicable from October 1. It sets out what employers must do regarding the application of concentration standard values, methods for confirming the degree of exposure, sampling and analysis, and the selection and use of protective equipment, among other matters.
Amendments to supervisory guidelines, etc. in the financial sector (common form for cyberattack reporting)
The Financial Services Agency published the amendments on September 18. Following the addition of a common form for other cyberattack and similar incidents to an inter-ministerial agreement, reporting will move from the previous report forms to the common form. The amended supervisory guidelines and related materials apply from October 1.
Amendment to the Act on Comprehensive Promotion of Labor Policies (customer harassment)
Makes employment management measures to prevent customer harassment mandatory.
Amendment to the Equal Employment Opportunity Act
Makes measures to prevent sexual harassment of job-seeking students, job applicants and interns mandatory.
Amendment to the National Pension Act (premium exemption during childcare)
Creates an exemption from National Pension premiums for self-employed persons and others during childcare periods (basis: the Act amending the Child and Child-Rearing Support Act and related laws).
Amendment to the Medical Care Act
Creates a new reporting system on the functions of medical institutions, in addition to hospital bed function reporting (related to the review of regional medical care visions; the regional medical care vision itself takes effect in stages from April 2027).
Active Cyber Defense Act (Act on Preventing Damage to Important Electronic Computers)
Requires critical infrastructure operators to notify their specified important electronic computers, report cyberattacks, and so on (the use of communications information will take effect in stages by November 2027).
Amendment to the Q&A on Personal Information Protection at Financial Institutions (leak reporting for cyberattacks, etc.)
Clarifies, among other things, that financial institutions may use the common form for other cyberattack and similar incidents (Attached Form 3) when reporting leaks of personal data and similar information to supervisory authorities and others. Published on September 28 and applicable from October 1. In the financial sector, the same form can also be used to report leaks caused by system failures. The reporting obligation and the reporting destinations remain in place.
Amendment to the FSA Public Notice on Designated International Accounting Standards
Reflects, in the designated international accounting standards used for consolidated financial statements, the standards published by the IASB by June 30, 2026. Deletes IFRS 14 "Regulatory Deferral Accounts" from the appended table and adds IFRS 20 "Regulatory Assets and Regulatory Liabilities." Promulgated and effective September 29. The application dates of individual standards need to be confirmed separately.
Amendment to the Regulation for Enforcement of the Act on Investment Trusts and Investment Corporations (in-kind contribution ETFs)
Sets out rules allowing the portion corresponding to those constituent issues of an in-kind contribution ETF in which the person applying to create the ETF holds more than 30% to be created in cash. Promulgated and effective September 18.
Amendments to the Cabinet Office Order on Definitions under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act, etc. (digital bonds and VC)
Promulgated September 15 and effective September 16. Sets out the requirements for excluding from financial instruments business the solicitation of digital bonds and similar instruments by group companies where it can be regarded as equivalent to solicitation by the issuer itself, and relaxes the requirements of the foreign fund exemption for investments by domestic VCs in overseas VCs.
Amendment to the Public Notice Designating Sustainability Disclosure Standards
Updates the designated standards to those published by June 11, and adds Practical Response Standard No. 1 on disclosure when following the climate standard using emissions measured and reported under the SHK system of the Act on Promotion of Global Warming Countermeasures. Promulgated and applicable September 15.
Amendment to the Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health (reporting the resignation, etc. of industrial physicians)
Requires employers, when an industrial physician resigns, is dismissed or leaves office, to report without delay to the chief of the competent Labour Standards Inspection Office the physician's name, the date of the resignation or other departure, and related matters (electronic filing in principle; written reports also accepted for the time being).
Japan Patent Office examination aligned with standardization strategy (trial)
Begins a trial of an operation under which patent applications for technologies aimed at standardization are examined at a time chosen by the user, in line with the progress of standards development.
Amendment to the Order for Enforcement of the Act on Employment Promotion of Persons with Disabilities
Raises the statutory employment rate for persons with disabilities from 2.5% to 2.7%.
Amendment to the Payment Services Act
Creates an intermediary (brokerage) business for crypto-asset and similar transactions, revises stablecoin regulation, and introduces domestic asset retention orders, among other changes.
Amendment to the Insurance Business Act
Strengthens regulation of large multi-company agencies and similar entities and expands their obligations to establish internal systems.
Act on the Promotion of Business Feasibility-Based Financing
Creates an "enterprise value security interest" that allows the entire business, including intangible assets, to be used as collateral.
Amendment to the Code of Civil Procedure (digitalization)
Digitalizes civil litigation procedures in principle. Online filing (mints) becomes available, and its use becomes mandatory for litigation counsel.
Amendment to the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Act, etc.
Revises the conditional approval system and introduces sales regulations for pharmaceuticals at risk of abuse (designated abuse-prevention pharmaceuticals).
Amendment to the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act
Lowers the mandatory tender offer (TOB) threshold from "more than one-third" to "more than 30%," adds on-market transactions to its scope, and revises the large shareholding reporting system.
Amendment to the Enforcement Regulations of the Mobile Phone Improper Use Prevention Act
Tightens identity verification when entering into mobile phone contracts (abolishing methods that use copies of documents in favor of IC chip reading and similar methods).
Amendment to the Road Traffic Act
Introduces a traffic violation penalty (so-called "blue ticket") system for bicycles.
Enactment of the Public Interest Trust Act
Abolishes the competent-authority system and creates a new public interest trust system (including related amendments to the Trust Business Act and other laws).
Amendment to the Civil Code (joint custody)
Reviews family law on parents and children, including by allowing both parents to choose joint parental authority after divorce.
Amendment to the Child and Child-Rearing Support Act (support contribution)
Begins collection of the child and child-rearing support contribution (added on top of health insurance premiums; phased in over FY2026–FY2028).
Pension System Reform Act (old-age pension for working recipients)
Raises the threshold for suspending the old-age pension for working recipients from JPY 510,000 per month (FY2025 amount) to JPY 650,000 (FY2026 amount).
Amendment to the Copyright Act
Creates a new adjudication system for the use of unmanaged published works and similar works (use for up to 3 years under an adjudication by the Commissioner of the Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Amendment to the GX Promotion Act
Puts the emissions trading scheme (GX-ETS) on a statutory footing and makes participation mandatory (the allocation and surrender of emission allowances will begin in stages).
Logistics Efficiency Act (Act on Improving the Efficiency of the Distribution of Goods)
Requires specified shippers to appoint a chief logistics officer (CLO), prepare medium- to long-term plans and submit periodic reports.
Amendment to the Real Property Registration Act (mandatory registration of changes in address, etc.)
Makes applications for registration of changes in address and name mandatory (within 2 years of the change; violations are subject to a non-penal fine of up to JPY 50,000).
Amendments to the Act on Comprehensive Promotion of Labor Policies, etc. (support for balancing treatment and work)
Makes efforts to support balancing medical treatment and work in the workplace a duty-to-endeavor for employers.
Amendment to the Industrial Safety and Health Act
Expands the scope of the measures required of principal contractors and others when work is performed at the same location as sole proprietors and similar persons, among other changes (obligations on sole proprietors themselves and the reporting of work-related accidents will take effect in stages in 2027).
Amendment to the Act on Promotion of Women's Participation and Advancement in the Workplace
Makes disclosure of the gender wage gap and the ratio of women in management mandatory (both indicators are new for employers with 101–300 employees; the ratio of women in management is added for those with 301 or more).
Amendment to the Subcontract Act (Act on Ensuring Proper Transactions with Small and Medium-sized Entrustees)
Renames the Act, prohibits payment by promissory notes and similar instruments as well as the unilateral determination of prices, and adds specified transport consignment to the scope of regulation.
Amendments to the Construction Business Act and the Act on Promoting Proper Tendering and Contracting for Public Works
Prohibits estimates significantly below standard labor costs, prohibits below-cost contracts, and introduces measures against construction-period dumping.
Amendment to the Child Care and Family Care Leave Act (phase 2)
Makes mandatory the measures to enable flexible working styles (an obligation to select and take measures) and individual notification and confirmation of employees' intentions.
Amendment to the Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health (heatstroke prevention)
For work in certain high-temperature environments (WBGT of 28 degrees or higher, or an air temperature of 31 degrees or higher), makes it mandatory to establish a heatstroke reporting system and to take measures to prevent aggravation.
Amendment to the Family Register Act (phonetic readings of names)
Phonetic readings (furigana) of names are recorded in family registers (notification within 1 year, in principle, after the notice arrives).
Amended Motor Truck Transportation Business Act (Truck Act)
Requires prime contractors to prepare actual-carrier management records, requires documents to be delivered when transport contracts are concluded, and corrects multi-tier subcontracting, among other changes (expanded to freight forwarding operators in April 2026).
Amendment to the Child and Child-Rearing Support Act
Creates support benefits for pregnant women and institutionalizes the "Childcare for Everyone" program (conversion to a benefit and nationwide rollout in April 2026).
Amendment to the Employment Insurance Act
Shortens the benefit restriction period for voluntary resignation from 2 months, in principle, to 1 month, and expands education and training benefits.
Amendment to the Child Care and Family Care Leave Act (phase 1)
Expands sick/injured child care leave into "child care and related leave" (up to the third grade of elementary school), extends the restriction on overtime work to employees with children before school age, and makes telework for childcare a duty-to-endeavor, among other changes.
Major changes with effective dates TBD or under review
Major laws that have been enacted but leave the effective date to a Cabinet Order or other rules, that take effect in stages, or for which amendments are under consideration.
Review of support for balancing work and childcare; draft Basic Policy on Equal Employment Opportunity Measures
The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare published the materials for the 92nd meeting of the Employment Environment and Equal Employment Subcommittee. They include a draft list of review items on support for balancing work and childcare, and the outline, comparison table of old and new text, and full text of the draft Basic Policy on Equal Employment Opportunity Measures. These are review-stage materials; no new employer obligations or effective dates have been finalized.
Draft storage business guidelines and draft amendments to review standards, etc. under the CCS Business Act
The Agency for Natural Resources and Energy began inviting public comments on draft guidelines for carrying out carbon dioxide storage businesses and on draft amendments to the review standards and related standards for dispositions by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry. Both are open until 23:59 on October 31. These are drafts concerning business permits and operations, and the results of the consultation and the finalized content need to be confirmed.
Draft revision of the policy on surveying and evaluating competition in the telecommunications business sector
The Information and Communications Administration and Postal Administration Council began an optional public comment process on a draft revision of the policy on conducting surveys and evaluations of competition and related conditions in the telecommunications business sector. The deadline is 0:00 on October 31, that is, the start of that day. This is a draft evaluation policy for competition policy purposes, and the revisions are not final.
Amendments to the Torihiki Tekiseika Act Operational Standards and the Freelance Act interpretive guidance
The Japan Fair Trade Commission published amendments reflecting the guidelines on transactions involving intellectual property, know-how and data published in June. It also published the results of the public comment process and reflected the necessary revisions. The amended operational standards and related materials need to be checked regarding the handling of rights and data in connection with development outsourcing and similar arrangements.
Draft amendments to Cabinet Office Orders, etc. on critical infrastructure under the Economic Security Promotion Act (FSA-related)
The Financial Services Agency published draft Cabinet Office Orders and joint orders revising the items to be stated in installation plans and related matters, reflecting operational improvements to the critical infrastructure system under the amended Act promulgated on June 17. Public comments must arrive by noon on October 31, and the orders are expected to be promulgated and take effect after the subsequent procedures.
Draft amendment to the Ministerial Ordinance on critical infrastructure under the Economic Security Promotion Act (METI-related)
The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry published a draft partial amendment to the ministerial ordinance on specified social infrastructure operators and related matters under its jurisdiction, together with a comparison table of old and new text, and is inviting public comments until 23:59 on October 31. Covered businesses need to check the draft for its impact on filing practice for the installation of equipment and related matters.
Draft addition of a covered law to the appended table of the Whistleblower Protection Act (Act on Preventing Sexual Violence against Children)
The Consumer Affairs Agency is inviting public comments on a draft Cabinet Order adding the Act on Preventing Sexual Violence against Children to the laws listed in the appended table of the Whistleblower Protection Act. Whistleblowing channels and the handling of the covered violations need to be checked. The draft provides for entry into force on December 25.
Draft addition of a covered law to the appended table of the Whistleblower Protection Act (civil court case information)
The Consumer Affairs Agency is inviting public comments on a draft Cabinet Order adding the Act on Promotion of the Use of Civil Court Case Information to the laws listed in the appended table of the Whistleblower Protection Act. Under the draft, the effective date is the effective date of that Act.
Draft amendment to the reporting order under the Act on Preventing Damage to Important Electronic Computers (minor changes)
The Cabinet Office and other agencies are inviting public comments on a draft amendment to the order that would treat changes such as a change in the manufacturer's name, among the matters notified for specified important electronic computers and related items, as minor changes. The published outline plans entry into force on January 12, 2027. This is a draft review of procedures, separate from the new notification and reporting system that began on October 1.
Draft amendment to the Ministerial Ordinance on critical infrastructure under the Economic Security Promotion Act (MIC-related)
The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications published a draft amendment to the ministerial ordinance on specified social infrastructure operators and related matters under its jurisdiction, together with a comparison table of old and new text, and is inviting public comments until 23:59 on October 31. The draft revises the operation of prior review and notification for the installation of specified critical equipment and related matters.
Draft amendment to the Ministerial Ordinance on critical infrastructure under the Economic Security Promotion Act (MLIT-related)
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism is inviting public comments on a draft revising the treatment of business track records before reorganizations, information on equipment suppliers, information on cloud regions and providers, and the filing categories and attached documents for changes, among other matters. Entry into force is planned for January 2027, and the draft needs to be distinguished from finalized rules.
Draft revision of the policy for evaluating competition in the telecommunications business
The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications is inviting public comments on a draft revision of the policy for evaluating the market for corporate services, the fees, terms of provision and dependency status of cloud services for telecommunications carriers, capital investment, compliance by the NTT Group with the rules that apply to it, and other matters. Under the application guidelines, submissions must arrive by October 30.
Draft amendment to the public notice designating guidance-mandatory drugs (dried black cohosh extract)
The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare is inviting public comments on a draft public notice adding preparations containing dried black cohosh extract as an active ingredient to guidance-mandatory drugs. The draft plans promulgation and application in December 2026, and the sales category is not yet final. Under the application guidelines, submissions must arrive by October 30.
Draft amendment to the Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health (additional SDS notification items)
On September 28, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare referred an outline of the draft ministerial ordinance for deliberation. The draft would add to the items to be notified for chemical substances the number identifying each component, the appropriate types of respiratory protective equipment and canisters, materials unsuitable for protective gloves, and the classification of the chemical substances in the components. The effective date is stated as April 1, 2030, but the ordinance has not been promulgated.
Draft amendment to the Guidelines for Maintaining and Promoting Health (secondary prevention such as cancer screening)
The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare presented a draft amendment at the subcommittee meeting on September 28. It includes the early detection and early treatment of diseases in health maintenance and promotion measures, and expressly refers to encouraging cancer screenings and similar check-ups, cooperation with medical insurers, support for balancing treatment and work, and other matters. Public notice in October with application from the same day is planned. This is a draft guideline concerning a duty-to-endeavor and does not create a uniform obligation for all employers to conduct screenings.
Draft amendment to the Enforcement Regulations of the Building Sanitation Act (water quality testing for PFOS and PFOA)
Following the establishment of tap water quality standards for PFOS and PFOA, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare is inviting public comments on a draft ministerial ordinance adding both substances to the periodic testing (once every 3 years) of water supplied for drinking and similar uses in specified buildings. Promulgation is planned for November and entry into force 6 months after promulgation (May 2027).
Interim report of the Study Group on Digital Transactions and the Act on Specified Commercial Transactions, etc.
The Consumer Affairs Agency began an optional public comment process on the interim report. Comments are accepted until 23:59 on October 31. The report is a compilation for future institutional review, and no legal amendments or new obligations have been finalized.
Interim report of the Study Group on the Consumer Contract Act
The Consumer Affairs Agency began an optional public comment process on the interim report of the Study Group on the Consumer Contract Act, which considers consumer transactions in modern society. Comments are accepted until 23:59 on October 31. The content of any legal amendments and their effective date have not yet been decided.
Draft ministerial ordinance expanding the "Medical Services" status of residence
The Immigration Services Agency is inviting public comments on a draft ministerial ordinance adding dental technicians and speech-language-hearing therapists to the "Medical Services" status of residence and updating application forms and related materials. Promulgation and entry into force are planned for November. The deadline is 0:00 on October 16, that is, the start of that day.
Draft amendments to the Regulation on Financial Statements, etc. (response to accounting standard amendments)
The Financial Services Agency is inviting public comments on draft amendments to regulations and guidelines, and to the public notice on designated accounting standards, responding to the draft amendments to the accounting standard for income taxes, the accounting treatment of electronic payment instruments and other matters. The application dates of some parts are expected to depend on the finalized content of the related accounting standards.
Draft amendment to the Comprehensive Guidelines for Supervision of Insurance Companies (in-house agencies and Antimonopoly Act compliance systems)
The Financial Services Agency began inviting public comments on a draft amendment to the supervisory guidelines covering the restructuring of the regulations on in-house agencies, the establishment of Antimonopoly Act compliance systems, and more sophisticated monitoring of non-life insurance products for businesses, among other matters. The draft is based on the recommendations in the reports of an expert panel and a Financial System Council working group, and the application date is expected to be set after the procedures that follow the public comment process.
Draft Cabinet Order amending the Order for Enforcement of the Industrial Competitiveness Enhancement Act and the Order for Enforcement of the Registration and License Tax Act
In preparation for the partial entry into force of the amended Industrial Competitiveness Enhancement Act (planned for October 30, 2026), the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is inviting public comments on a draft Cabinet Order setting out the scope of specified businesses (500 or fewer employees for the software, information processing services and inn businesses), the scope of specified businesses relating to business succession and similar matters, the specified permits and licenses relating to business adaptation plans for reduced demand for livelihood-sustaining goods and services, etc. (permits under the Road Transportation Act and the Motor Truck Transportation Business Act, etc.), insurance premium rates for related guarantees, provisions on the conversion of workers' cooperatives into stock companies, and other matters. In the Order for Enforcement of the Registration and License Tax Act, workers' cooperatives are added to the scope of business cooperatives and similar entities.
Draft amendment to the Order for Enforcement of the Economic Security Promotion Act (adding ECMO to specified critical products)
The Cabinet Office began inviting public comments on a draft Cabinet Order adding extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to ventilators as a specified critical product. This broadens the scope of support for securing stable supply, with promulgation planned for the end of October 2026 and entry into force on the date of promulgation. The deadline for comments is 0:00 on October 10.
Draft amendment to the Guidelines on Carrying Out Business Adaptation
The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is inviting public comments on a draft amendment to the guidelines that sets out the certification criteria for business adaptation plans responding to rising prices, the requirements for financial support and other matters. The draft concerns efforts such as improving productivity and developing new demand, and the guidelines are not final.
Draft amendment to the Enforcement Regulations of the Industrial Competitiveness Enhancement Act
The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry published a draft order setting out procedures such as certification applications and attached documents for business adaptation in response to rising prices and to reduced demand for livelihood-sustaining goods and services, among other things. Comments are accepted until October 7.
Draft order on the certification of support organizations for business adaptation to reduced demand for livelihood-sustaining goods and services, etc.
The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry published a draft order setting out, for organizations that support business adaptation in response to reduced demand for livelihood-sustaining goods and services and similar circumstances, certification requirements such as expertise and practical experience, applications and renewals, notifications of changes and other matters. It is at the public comment stage.
Draft guidelines on carrying out business adaptation to reduced demand for livelihood-sustaining goods and services, etc.
The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is inviting public comments on draft guidelines for maintaining the supply of goods and services necessary for daily life in response to changes in demand resulting from population decline and other factors. The draft covers efforts such as rationalizing and diversifying businesses and improving efficiency across regions.
Draft ministerial ordinances on minor changes, conversion into stock companies, etc. under the Industrial Competitiveness Enhancement Act
The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is inviting public comments on draft ministerial ordinances setting out minor changes to implementation guidelines, accounting and electromagnetic records in connection with the conversion of certified workers' cooperatives into stock companies, financial requirements for the certification of business adaptation plans, and other matters. Comments are accepted until October 8.
Draft amendment to the Basic Guidelines on Support for Small-Scale Businesses
The Small and Medium Enterprise Agency is inviting public comments on a draft amendment to the support guidelines for societies of commerce and industry, chambers of commerce and industry and similar organizations. It includes support for businesses pursuing wage increases and growth and for business start-ups, and strengthening support functions through the use of experts, generative AI and other means. Promulgation and entry into force are planned for around November.
Draft basic policy on the breeding and seed and seedling production of important varieties
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries is inviting public comments on a draft basic policy to promote the breeding and seed and seedling production of important varieties. It covers the content of breeding business plans and similar plans, the use of AI and other advanced technologies, and the protection of breeders' rights and compliance with license agreements. This is a draft, not a finalized policy.
Draft Cabinet Order on abolishing the renewal system for care managers and revising their training
The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare is inviting public comments on draft amendments to the Order for Enforcement of the Long-Term Care Insurance Act and related orders. They set out the requirements for designating and revoking the designation of training attendance management organizations, the sending of lists of persons who have completed training, and other matters. The published outline plans entry into force on December 1, 2027.
Draft MLIT ministerial ordinances in connection with the amendment to the Logistics Efficiency Act
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism began inviting public comments on draft amendments to the related ministerial ordinances in connection with the entry into force of the amendment to the Act on Improving the Efficiency of the Distribution of Goods. It published comparison tables of old and new provisions and an outline, and comments are accepted until 13:00 on October 4.
Economic Security Promotion Act (draft amendment to the policy on securing stable supply of cloud programs)
The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry began a public comment process on a draft amendment to the policy for securing stable supply of programs used in systems that provide information processing for others via the internet and similar means. Relevant to practice concerning the supply and development base for cloud programs.
Draft amendment to the Enforcement Regulations of the Employment Insurance Act (subsidy for improving the working environment of foreign workers)
The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare began a public comment process on a draft ministerial ordinance that, for the subsidy course for improving the working environment of foreign workers, classifies the appointment of an employment and labor manager, a complaint and consultation system, and multilingual work rules and similar materials as mandatory measures, and changes the subsidy cap to JPY 250,000 in principle. Promulgation and entry into force are planned for October 2026, with a planned transitional measure applying the previous requirements and subsidy amounts to plans certified before entry into force.
Draft amendment to the Passenger Motor Vehicle Transportation Business Regulations (contracted transport using hire cars, etc.)
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism began a public comment process on a draft ministerial ordinance requiring general passenger car transportation businesses, when performing contracted transport using hire cars, to issue and retain transport acceptance documents and to prepare, retain and carry operation instruction documents, among other things. The documents may also be handled by certain electronic methods, and entry into force is planned for October 1, 2026.
Draft amendments to the Enforcement Regulations of the Health Insurance Act, etc. (partially non-covered treatment)
The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare began a public comment process on a draft ministerial ordinance establishing the notifications, communications and forms to be used by insurance medical institutions, insurers and others, in order to carry out partially non-covered treatment under a law enacted in 2026. Entry into force is planned for March 1, 2027.
Draft revision of the VC practice guidelines (VCRHs)
The Financial Services Agency began a public comment process on a draft revision of "Recommended and Expected Practices for Venture Capital," reflecting compliance issues at portfolio companies, conflict-of-interest risk management and other matters. Relevant to VC governance, information provision to LPs, support for portfolio companies, exit strategies and other practices.
Amendment to the Economic Security Promotion Act (specified overseas businesses): draft basic policy and orders
The Cabinet Office began a public comment process on drafts including basic guidelines for promoting overseas businesses that are important for economic security and orders setting out applications for certification of business plans, changes, implementation status reports and related matters. Relevant to financial support from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) for certified businesses.
Draft amendments to the Commercial Registration Regulations, etc. (partial non-display of representatives' addresses)
The Ministry of Justice began a public comment process on a draft ministerial ordinance that would extend the measure for partial non-display of representatives' addresses to the representatives, liquidators and managers of all companies, and expand it to legal entities other than companies, investment limited partnerships, limited liability partnerships and others, as well as to the registration information provision service. Entry into force is planned for December 2026.
Draft revision of the Merger Guidelines
The Japan Fair Trade Commission began a public comment process on a draft revision that expressly provides that supply stability, environmental performance, and the creation of new products through increased investment and innovation will be considered as pro-competitive effects, and that market conditions over the long term will also be considered for import pressure, efficiencies and other factors.
Draft amendment to the Personal Information Protection Commission Public Notice (leak reporting in cyberattacks)
The Personal Information Protection Commission began a public comment process on a draft amendment to the public notice that adds a common form for government offices for cyberattacks and similar incidents other than ransomware, and allows leak reports under the APPI and the My Number Act to be filed through the public-private collaboration platform. Entry into force is planned for October 1, 2026.
Act on Preventing Damage to Important Electronic Computers: draft reporting orders, forms and explanatory materials
In addition to a draft amendment to the order on reports of specified intrusion events and similar incidents by special social infrastructure operators, the Cabinet Office and other agencies began public comment processes on draft report forms under Article 4, Paragraph 2 of the Act and related provisions on July 13, and on draft explanatory materials on the notification system for specified important electronic computers and the reporting system for specified intrusion events and similar incidents on July 15. Relevant to cyber reporting practice for critical infrastructure.
Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act: draft amended enforcement orders, orders and public notices
The Ministry of Finance began a public comment process on draft Cabinet Orders, orders, public notices and related rules on inward direct investment and similar transactions in connection with the entry into force of the amendment to the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act. Relevant to investment screening practice, including prior notification, designated business sectors and specified technologies.
Draft revision of the Article 26 guidelines under the Information Distribution Platform Act
The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications began a public comment process on a draft revision of the illegal information guidelines relating to Article 26 of the Act on Measures against Rights Infringement, etc. through Specified Telecommunications. Relevant to responses to rights infringement on platforms.
Act on Ensuring Proper Transactions with Small and Medium-sized Entrustees and Freelance Act: draft operational standards
The Japan Fair Trade Commission began a public comment process on draft operational standards for the Act on Ensuring Proper Transactions with Small and Medium-sized Entrustees and draft interpretive guidance for the Freelance Act. Relevant to practical guidance on the clear statement of order terms, payment delays, prohibited conduct and other matters.
Guidelines and model contracts for transactions involving intellectual property rights, know-how and data
The Japan Fair Trade Commission and other bodies published guidelines on abuse of a superior bargaining position and related issues in transactions involving intellectual property rights, know-how and data, together with model contracts. Relevant to contract practice for development outsourcing, joint research and data transactions.
Digital Agency Guidelines on the Procurement and Use of Generative AI, Version 2.0
The Digital Agency published the results of the public comment process on a draft revision of the guidelines on rules for the procurement and use of generative AI systems in government, together with Version 2.0. It includes a procurement checklist, a contract checklist and other materials.
Artificial Intelligence Basic Plan (Phase II)
The Government adopted by Cabinet decision Phase II of the Artificial Intelligence Basic Plan under the AI Act. With a basic policy of "Japan AX," in which "trustworthy AI" drives society as a whole, it sets out a review of the systems of government, industry, daily life and crisis management, a domestic AI development base, AI safety evaluation, a public-private promotion structure, and other matters.
Draft public notices under the Industrial Safety and Health Act and the Working Environment Measurement Act
The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare began a public comment process on draft public notices and training rules concerning training for sampling assistants in working environment measurement and related matters. The underlying draft ministerial ordinance is planned to take effect on October 1, 2026.
Guidelines for Corporate Takeovers: draft interpretation, draft key points and draft Q&A
The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry began a public comment process on a draft interpretation, draft key points and a draft Q&A intended to promote a more accurate understanding of the purpose of the Guidelines for Corporate Takeovers formulated in 2023, while maintaining the guidelines themselves.
Act on Security Transfer Agreements and Retention of Title Agreements
Codifies the rules on security transfers and retention of title over movables, receivables and other assets. Enacted and promulgated; takes effect on a date set by Cabinet Order within 2 years and 6 months of promulgation.
Expansion of employees' pension and health insurance coverage (the JPY 1.06 million barrier)
Abolishes the wage requirement for short-time workers (JPY 88,000 per month) and abolishes the company size requirement in stages (the company size requirement from October 2027 to October 2035; the date for abolishing the wage requirement will be designated separately by Cabinet Order).
Amendment to the Act on the Protection of Personal Information (APPI), etc.
Promulgated on July 17, 2026. Includes an administrative monetary penalty system, rules on the personal information of persons under 16, requests to cease the use of specified biometric personal information, a prohibition on the improper use and improper acquisition of contactable personally referable information, and an exception to the consent requirement for third-party provision for certain statistical purposes, among other changes. Except for certain parts, it takes effect on a date set by Cabinet Order within 2 years of promulgation. Following the first round on September 16, the Personal Information Protection Commission decided on October 1 on the second round of its basic approach to preparing the Cabinet Order and rules. This round covers special provisions for statistics and similar purposes, the handling of personal data and related information by contractors, and leak reporting and notification to individuals, and the Commission is preparing rules toward entry into force.
Amendment to the Labor Standards Act
Considering a cap on the number of consecutive working days, the introduction of a rest interval system between shifts, and other measures.
This calendar was compiled by Legal Agent from a corporate legal perspective, based on information published by ministries, agencies, e-Gov and other sources as of October 3, 2026.
Effective dates and the content of changes may change under future Cabinet Orders, ministerial ordinances, public notices and other rules, and the effective dates of some laws have not been finalized (shown under "Major changes with effective dates TBD or under review"). Items dated only by month are those whose dates do not match across confirmed sources. Some laws have been enacted but leave the effective date to a Cabinet Order, and others take effect in stages on multiple dates (such as the Industrial Safety and Health Act, the Pension System Reform Act and the Active Cyber Defense Act); each item shows only a representative effective date.
Before taking any action, please check primary sources such as the Official Gazette and materials published by the relevant ministries and agencies, or consult a professional. Our firm accepts no responsibility for any action taken based on the information in this calendar.