May 29 2025 – In a significant legislative move today, Japan’s House of Councillors passed the country’s first-ever law dedicated to artificial intelligence (AI) with a majority vote. The legislation, known as the “Act on Promotion of Research, Development, and Application of AI-Related Technologies,” is designed to foster advancements in AI technology and its applications while safeguarding against potential misuse.
The newly enacted law underscores the pivotal role of AI as a cornerstone for Japan’s economic and social development, emphasizing its significance from a national security perspective. Under the provisions of this act, a dedicated “AI Strategy Headquarters” will be established, led by the Prime Minister and comprising all cabinet members. This body will serve as the central command for Japan’s AI policies and will be tasked with formulating a comprehensive “AI Basic Plan.”
The law outlines Japan’s commitment to maintaining a robust research and development capability in AI, with the aim of enhancing the international competitiveness of its AI-related industries. It places the onus on the Japanese government to devise and implement measures that systematically promote AI research, development, and application across the board.
To address concerns over the misuse of AI technology, particularly in terms of intellectual property violations and the dissemination of false information through generative AI, the law stipulates that the government will investigate instances of infringement and provide recommendations and guidance to implicated enterprises. These companies will be obligated to cooperate with such investigations. In cases involving the creation of fake videos using AI or copyright infringements, the government will conduct analyses and may opt to publicly disclose the names of the companies involved.
According to the 2024 edition of the “Information and Communications White Paper” released by Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, only 9.1% of the Japanese population has used or is currently using generative AI, a figure that pales in comparison to the 46.3% adoption rate in the United States and 34.6% in Germany. This discrepancy highlights the potential for growth and the importance of the new law in steering Japan’s AI landscape towards greater innovation and responsible use.
