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61 timely articles on 2026 Japanese legal reforms.
Japan Joint Custody Reform 2026: New Rules Explained
Japan joint custody reform took effect April 2026. Opt-in shared custody, DV exclusions, ¥20,000/month statutory child support, and how already-divorced parents can apply.
2026-04-06
Japan Bicycle Blue Ticket 2026: Fines & Violations List
Japan bicycle blue ticket system started April 2026. Full fine list (¥5,000-¥12,000), 113 covered violations, who gets ticketed, and how to pay without a criminal record.
2026-04-06
Japan Customer Harassment Law 2026: Fines & Obligations
All businesses in Japan must implement customer harassment protections by October 2026. Legal definition, 3 mandatory employer measures, and penalties for non-compliance explained.
2026-04-06
Dark Part-Time Jobs in Japan: Criminal Penalties and New Undercover Investigation Methods
Involvement in "yami baito" (dark part-time jobs) carries severe criminal penalties. Japan introduced undercover investigation methods in January 2026 to crack down on organized crime recruitment.
2026-04-06
Active Cyber Defense Japan Law 2025-2026: Complete Guide
Japan cyber response capability enhancement law explained: mandatory incident reporting, server neutralization powers, and what businesses must prepare before October 2026.
2026-04-06
Japan Occupational Safety Reform 2026: Freelancer Rules
Japan occupational safety law now covers freelancers and sole proprietors from April 2026. Client obligations, safety training rules, and fines up to ¥500,000 for violations.
2026-04-06
Japan Strengthens Whistleblower Protections: Major Reform Effective December 2026
Japan's revised Whistleblower Protection Act strengthens protections for internal reporters and expands corporate obligations for handling disclosures.
2026-04-06
Japan Income Wall Reform 2026: ¥1.06M & ¥1.3M Changes
Japan abolishes the ¥1.06M income wall in October 2026 and changes ¥1.3M dependent rules in April. 2 million part-time workers affected. What changes and how to prepare.
2026-04-09
Bear-Hunting License Revocation Ruled 'Illegal': Hunter's Landmark Win
Japan's Supreme Court ruled that revoking a hunter's firearms license after a bear cull was illegal, in a landmark first ruling on the legality of shooting during government-requested wildlife control.
2026-04-09![[Lawyer-Reviewed] Japan 2026 Pension Reform: ¥620K Threshold & iDeCo Age 70](/news/pension-ideco-reform-2026.svg?dpl=dpl_DJU9zc152Cn2ubimtPGBEmoTDUAh)
[Lawyer-Reviewed] Japan 2026 Pension Reform: ¥620K Threshold & iDeCo Age 70
From April 2026: working pension threshold ¥500K → ¥620K/month, iDeCo eligible age expanded to 70, contribution cap nearly tripled to ¥62K/month. Strategy guide.
2026-04-09
Japan Labor Law 2026: Stress Checks Now Mandatory for All
Japan labor law news 2026: stress checks expanded to all workplaces, including under 50 employees. Timeline, compliance steps, and free MHLW manual for small businesses.
2026-04-09
Japan Mandates 1-Meter Passing Distance for Cyclists: New Traffic Rules from April 2026
Japan's revised Road Traffic Act now requires motorists to maintain at least 1 meter of lateral clearance when passing cyclists. Learn about the new rules, penalties, and cyclist obligations.
2026-04-09
Japan Gender Pay Gap Disclosure 2026: 101+ Employee Rule
From April 2026, Japan requires companies with 101+ employees to disclose gender pay gaps. Calculation method, 3 reporting categories, deadlines, and penalties explained.
2026-04-09![[Lawyer-Reviewed] Japan Trademark Registration 2026: ¥12K Filing Fee & 6-Month Timeline](/news/trademark-registration-guide-2026.svg?dpl=dpl_DJU9zc152Cn2ubimtPGBEmoTDUAh)
[Lawyer-Reviewed] Japan Trademark Registration 2026: ¥12K Filing Fee & 6-Month Timeline
A comprehensive guide to trademark registration in Japan for 2026. Covers the application process, official fees, online filing methods, timelines, DIY vs. patent attorney comparison, and common pitfalls to avoid.
2026-04-13
Japan Residential Road Speed Limit Drops to 30 km/h from September 2026
From September 1, 2026, Japan's default speed limit on residential roads without center lines drops from 60 km/h to 30 km/h. Learn which roads are affected, penalties for speeding, and impacts on liability.
2026-04-13![[Lawyer-Reviewed] Japan APPI 2026: AI Data Consent + GDPR-Style Surcharges](/news/privacy-law-ai-reform-2026.svg?dpl=dpl_DJU9zc152Cn2ubimtPGBEmoTDUAh)
[Lawyer-Reviewed] Japan APPI 2026: AI Data Consent + GDPR-Style Surcharges
Cabinet-approved April 2026: relaxed AI training data consent, new GDPR-style surcharges, stronger violation penalties. Action items for cross-border businesses.
2026-04-13
Japan Ends 50cc Mopeds: New 125cc Moped Rules from April 2026
From April 1, 2026, Japan redefines mopeds from "50cc or less" to "125cc or less with max 4kW output." We explain the background, traffic rules, licensing, taxes, and insurance under the new standard.
2026-04-13![[Lawyer-Reviewed] Japan Childcare Tax 2026: 0.23% Rate, Salary-Based Cost](/news/child-care-support-fund-2026.svg?dpl=dpl_DJU9zc152Cn2ubimtPGBEmoTDUAh)
[Lawyer-Reviewed] Japan Childcare Tax 2026: 0.23% Rate, Salary-Based Cost
From April 2026: new childcare levy 0.23% added to health insurance. Monthly cost by salary, system averages, phased rollout to 2028, "single tax" debate.
2026-04-16
Japan Smartphone Act 2026: How Apple & Google Adapted (And What Critics Say)
Japan's Smartphone Software Competition Promotion Act took full effect December 18, 2025. Apple/Google fees, alternative app stores, and February 2026 FTC report.
2026-04-16
Japan Supreme Court Grand Bench to Rule on Same-Sex Marriage (2026)
March 25, 2026: Japan's Supreme Court referred six same-sex marriage lawsuits to its 15-justice Grand Bench — headed for the first definitive constitutional ruling.
2026-04-16
Japan Cannabis Arrests Hit Record 6,832 in 2025: Youth & SNS Driving Surge
Japan recorded a record 6,832 cannabis-related arrests in 2025, with over 70% aged under 30. Covers the new "cannabis use" offense enacted in 2023, penalties, arrest procedures, and consequences of a criminal record.
2026-04-17
Record ¥1.2 Billion Phone Fraud in Japan (2026): How to Protect Yourself
April 2026 Ehime case: an 80-year-old woman defrauded of ~¥1.2 billion. Practical guide to phone fraud schemes, victim recovery, and prevention measures.
2026-04-17
Tokuryū Crime Groups in Japan 2026: How Anonymous Crime Rings Recruit via SNS
Tokuryū — Japan's anonymous and fluid crime groups: 2026 enforcement statistics, criminal tactics, penalties, and how to refuse "yami-baito" (dark part-time) recruitment.
2026-04-17
Shiretoko Boat Disaster Trial: Prosecution Seeks 5 Years for Company President
In the 2022 Shiretoko sightseeing boat KAZU I disaster that killed 26 people, prosecutors sought 5 years imprisonment for the company president on April 16, 2026. Analysis of gross negligence causing death, omission-based fault, and management duty of care.
2026-04-19
Japan Bans Mobile Battery Use on Flights from April 24, 2026
From April 24, 2026, use of portable battery chargers is completely banned on flights in Japan. Carry-on limited to 2 units under 160Wh per person. Violations carry fines up to ¥500,000.
2026-04-19![[Lawyer-Reviewed] Japan AI Portrait Rights 2026: Deepfake Penalties & Likeness Law](/news/ai-portrait-rights-2026.svg?dpl=dpl_DJU9zc152Cn2ubimtPGBEmoTDUAh)
[Lawyer-Reviewed] Japan AI Portrait Rights 2026: Deepfake Penalties & Likeness Law
In April 2026, Japan's Ministry of Justice launched an expert panel to address unauthorized use of likenesses and voices by generative AI. Analysis of portrait rights, publicity rights, deepfake issues, and legal risks for businesses and creators.
2026-04-19
Japan New Employee SNS Leaks 2026: Legal Risks and Corporate Response
Multiple Japanese companies faced confidential data leaks by new employees on Instagram and BeReal in April 2026. Legal analysis of trade secret violations, disciplinary actions, and corporate SNS policy obligations.
2026-04-19
13 Japanese Arrested in Indonesia Fraud Ring: How Japan's Criminal Law Applies Abroad
In April 2026, 13 Japanese nationals were arrested for running a phone fraud operation from near Jakarta, Indonesia. Analysis of extraterritorial application of Japanese criminal law, organized crime penalties, and challenges in victim fund recovery.
2026-04-19![[Lawyer-Reviewed] Japan AI Law Penalties 2026: Deepfake & Copyright Enforcement](/news/ai-penalty-deepfake-regulation-2026.svg?dpl=dpl_DJU9zc152Cn2ubimtPGBEmoTDUAh)
[Lawyer-Reviewed] Japan AI Law Penalties 2026: Deepfake & Copyright Enforcement
Japan's ruling LDP party urged the government to add criminal penalties to its AI law in April 2026, targeting deepfake pornography and AI copyright infringement.
2026-04-26
Japan Freelance Protection Act: One Year In — 10 JFTC Orders and Practical Challenges
Japan Freelance Protection Act enforced since Nov 2024. After ~17 months, the JFTC has issued 10 corrective orders. We analyze document delivery duties, 60-day payment rules, harassment prevention obligations, and unresolved private-law issues.
2026-04-26
Japan Retrial Reform 2026: Proposed Limits on Prosecution Appeals
Japan considers Criminal Procedure Code amendments to limit prosecution appeals against retrial orders to one year. A reform prompted by the Hakamata case to expedite relief for wrongful conviction victims.
2026-04-26
Japan Subcontract Act Reform 2026: Expanded Scope to Creative & Consulting Services
Japan's 2026 Subcontract Act reform expands coverage to creative, consulting, and IT services. Key changes include digital documentation, stricter price-squeeze regulations, and a strict 60-day payment deadline, explained alongside the Freelance Protection Act.
2026-04-26
Japan Condominium Law Reform 2026: Addressing Missing Owners & Easier Rebuilding
Japan's 2026 amendments to the Condominium Unit Ownership Act introduce procedures for absent owners, lower rebuilding vote thresholds, and strengthen administrative oversight of deteriorating condominiums.
2026-04-26
Japan Childcare & Nursing Care Leave Reform 2026: Expanded Leave and Flexible Work
Japan revised Childcare and Nursing Care Leave Act took effect April 2026. Child nursing leave extended to 3rd graders, flexible work measures mandated, overtime exemption expanded, and disclosure obligations broadened.
2026-04-26
Japan Electronic Bookkeeping Act: E-Transaction Data 2026
Japan's Electronic Bookkeeping Preservation Act grace period ended December 2023. From January 2024, electronic retention of e-transaction data is mandatory. Covers timestamp requirements, search criteria, SME compliance status, and penalty risks.
2026-04-26
Japan Ends '¥1.06M Wall' 2026: Social Insurance Expansion
From October 2026, Japan expands social insurance coverage to ~650,000 part-time workers at 51+ employee companies. Impact on the ¥1.06M income wall explained.
2026-04-26
Japan Invoice System Year Two: Transition Measures & Tax Impact
Japan qualified invoice system turns two. The transitional credit drops from 80% to 50% in October 2026, and the 20% special rule expires September 2026. Practical impacts on freelancers and small businesses explained.
2026-04-26
Japan Provider Liability Act: Sender Disclosure Order System
How Japan's revised Provider Liability Limitation Act streamlined defamation takedowns with a single non-contentious disclosure order, covering login-type posts, costs, timelines, and enforcement against major platforms.
2026-04-26
Level 4 Autonomous Driving Now Legal in Japan: 2026 Regulatory Update
Japan legalized Level 4 autonomous driving in April 2023 through a revised Road Traffic Act. This article covers the permit system, liability framework, compulsory insurance, real-world deployments in Eiheiji and Tokyo, and the road ahead to Level 5.
2026-04-29
Japan APPI 2026 Triennial Review: AI Training Data & Consent Reform
The PPC published its 2026 APPI reform proposal in January 2026. Detailed analysis of relaxed consent for AI training data, sensitive data acquisition changes, surcharge penalties, cross-border transfer reforms, and implications for the EU adequacy decision.
2026-04-29
Japan Inheritance Tax 2026: Rates, Deductions & Filing Guide
Japan inheritance tax 2026: progressive rates 10-55%, basic deduction, spouse/minor deductions, residential land exemption, life insurance exemption, 10-month deadline.
2026-04-29
Japan Company Formation 2026: KK vs GK Costs & Procedures
Complete guide to starting a company in Japan in 2026. Compare KK (Kabushiki Kaisha) vs GK (Godo Kaisha/LLC) formation costs, step-by-step procedures, requirements for non-resident foreign entrepreneurs, Business Manager visa, and bank account opening tips.
2026-04-29
Japan Drug Penalties 2026: Cannabis, Stimulants & All Controls
Complete guide to drug penalties in Japan for 2026. Covers the 2024 Cannabis Control Act reform criminalizing use, stimulant and narcotic penalties, foreigner deportation rules, arrest procedures, and penalty comparison tables.
2026-04-29
Japan Law Changes in May 2026: Complete Roundup of New Statutes Taking Effect
A complete legal roundup of statutes and regulations taking effect around May 2026 in Japan. Joint custody operations, customer-harassment law, cycling tickets, freelance protection, cannabis reform, and more.
2026-05-03
Digital Inheritance Rules in Japan 2026: SNS, Crypto Assets, and Cloud Storage Explained
How to handle smartphone passwords, social media accounts, crypto assets, subscriptions, and cloud photos as "digital inheritance" in Japan. Legal framework, platform-specific procedures, and pre-mortem planning explained.
2026-05-04
Generative AI Copyright 2026: Global Cases & Compliance Guide
Generative AI copyright: Japan's Article 30-4, US cases vs. OpenAI/Stable Diffusion, news publisher class actions, and compliance points for developers and corporate users.
2026-05-05
My Number Health Card Transition 2026: Is the Old Insurance Card Gone for Good?
A year and a half after Japan stopped issuing traditional health insurance cards, where does the My Number Health Card transition stand in May 2026? Eligibility certificates, medical-clinic issues, and the impact on foreign residents — explained.
2026-05-06
Consumer Contract Act 2026: Dark Patterns & Cancellation Rules
Hidden subscription cancellation forms, "first-time only" framing that hides recurring billing — Japan is tightening consumer contract and specific commerce laws around dark patterns. We summarize the 2026 regulatory state for consumers and businesses.
2026-05-07
Japan Civil Procedure Digitalization May 2026: e-Filing, mints, and Pro Se Litigants
Japan completes civil procedure digitalization on May 21, 2026. Lawyers must e-file via mints, judgments can be served electronically, and online records access begins. Pro se litigants retain paper option. Five practical points before launch.
2026-05-08
Japan Designated Abuse-Prevention OTC Drugs 2026: 8 Substances and Under-18 Restrictions
Japan amended Pharmaceuticals Act took effect May 1, 2026, designating 8 abuse-prevention substances. Under-18 buyers limited to one small pack; multi-pack sales banned. Violations trigger administrative sanctions.
2026-05-09
JFTC Recommendation Against Chubu Electric: What Went Wrong in Freelance Engagements
On Feb 27 2026 the JFTC issued a recommendation against Chubu Electric for Freelance Protection Act violations involving 39 professionals (lawyers, doctors, university professors). We analyze the practical risks of professional engagements and prevention.
2026-05-09
Japan Tender Offer 30% Rule 2026: In-Market Trades Now Covered
Japan amended Financial Instruments Act took effect May 1, 2026. Mandatory tender offer threshold drops from 1/3 to 30%, in-market trades now covered. Plus the 0.5% de minimis carve-out and 5%-rule reforms reshape M&A and activist defense.
2026-05-10
EU AI Act High-Risk Aug 2026: 5-Step Guide for Japan Companies
EU AI Act high-risk system rules become enforceable from August 2, 2026 — extraterritorial reach covers Japanese providers. Conformity assessment, CE marking, FRIA obligations explained by a Japanese lawyer.
2026-05-18
Japan Building Act 4-Go Exemption Reform: 1-Year Retrospective
1-year retrospective on Japan's April 2025 Building Standards Act amendment that narrowed the "4-go exemption" for small houses. Housing starts impact, plan review backlog, structural engineer shortage, and buyer protection implications.
2026-05-17
Japan Workplace Heatstroke Prevention Mandatory June 2025
From June 1, 2025, Japan's Industrial Safety and Health Regulation mandates heatstroke prevention at workplaces (WBGT >28°C). Penalties: up to 6 months imprisonment.
2026-05-18
Japan Self-Written Will Storage System: 50,000+ Filings, Procedures & Benefits
Japan's self-written will storage system at Legal Affairs Bureaus (Civil Code Enforcement Act Art. 11-2) exceeds 50,000 filings. Validation-exempt, ¥3,900 fee, anti-tampering.
2026-05-17
Japan Ikusei-Shuro 2027: Replacing Technical Intern Training
Japan abolishes Technical Intern Training; new Ikusei-Shuro system launches April 2027. Transfers allowed after 1-2 years, path to Specified Skilled Worker (i) at year 3.
2026-05-19
Japan PR Revocation 2025: Tax & Social Insurance Now Grounds
Japan's 2024 Immigration Act expands PR revocation grounds: willful tax/social insurance non-payment and certain crimes now trigger cancellation. Guide for residents and employers.
2026-05-20
International Inheritance for Foreign Residents in Japan (2026 Guide)
Inheritance for foreign residents in Japan: which law applies (Act on General Rules Art. 36), real estate vs movables, inheritance tax scope based on residency, and practical pitfalls.
2026-05-21
Specified Skilled Worker (ii) to Permanent Residency: 2026 Updated Path
2026 updated guide on the path from Specified Skilled Worker (ii) to Permanent Residency: expanded 11 fields, requirements, application procedures, and pitfalls explained.
2026-05-21
Japan Stealth Marketing Ban 2 Years In: Enforcement Cases (2026)
Two years after Japan's stealth marketing ban: enforcement cases from the Consumer Affairs Agency, PR disclosure standards, influencer marketing compliance, and corporate defensive strategies.
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