A Major Inflection Point for Japanese Law
The April–May 2026 window has brought one of the largest waves of statutory reform in Japan's postwar history. This article catalogs the major laws taking effect (or whose enforcement is imminent) and outlines key compliance points across family, labor, traffic, corporate, and criminal law.
1. Family Law
Joint Custody Now Operational (Civil Code reform, effective April 1, 2026)
Japan's revised Civil Code (Act No. 33 of 2024) introduced opt-in joint custody after divorce. One month into enforcement, family courts are already seeing a sharp rise in joint-custody related mediation filings.
Key provisions include mandatory sole custody where domestic violence is present, and a new statutory child support floor of ¥20,000 per child per month.
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Customer Harassment Prevention Mandate (effective October 2026)
Amendments to the Comprehensive Labor Policy Promotion Act will require all employers to implement customer-harassment prevention measures. Many large companies are already revising HR rules and response manuals during the lead-up.
Childcare and Family-Care Leave Act (effective April 1, 2026)
Employers must offer flexible work arrangements (shortened hours, telework) to employees raising children under three.
Removal of the "¥1.06M Wall"
The income threshold above which short-hour workers must enroll in social insurance is being phased out, with significant cost implications for retail, food service, and other industries with many part-time staff.
Freelance Protection Act — One Year In
After 18 months in force, administrative guidance is now being issued for violations of the written-terms requirement and 60-day payment rule. Hiring companies should re-audit their contracts.
3. Traffic and Road Safety
Bicycle "Blue Ticket" System (effective April 1, 2026)
Cyclists aged 16+ are now subject to traffic-infraction tickets, with fines ranging from ¥5,000 to ¥12,000 for offenses such as red-light running, phone use, and cycling under the influence. The National Police Agency reports approximately 8,000 tickets nationwide in the first month.
30 km/h Default Limit on Residential Roads
Local roads without center lines now have a statutory maximum speed of 30 km/h. Fleet operators must update driver guidance.
New "Standard Moped" Class
Motorcycles between 51cc and 125cc can now be operated under a moped license if they meet new performance restrictions, expanding rider options.
4. Corporate Compliance
Electronic Bookkeeping Mandate Fully Operational
Grace periods for the electronic preservation of digital transaction records have ended. Continuing to rely on paper or non-compliant electronic storage exposes companies to revocation of the blue tax return privilege and back taxes.
Invoice System Year Two (October 2026)
The transitional 80% input-tax credit for purchases from tax-exempt businesses expires September 30, 2026, dropping to 50% thereafter. Companies should accelerate negotiations with suppliers about taxable-status conversion.
Subcontract Act Reforms
The Japan Fair Trade Commission has tightened price pass-through guidelines, increasing scrutiny of abuses of superior bargaining position. Documenting contract terms is essential.
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5. Criminal and Administrative Law
Cannabis Control Act — 18 Months In
The newly created cannabis use offense drove drug-related arrests to a record 6,000+ in 2025. Trends in suspended sentencing for first-time offenders are being closely watched.
Anti-Fraud and "Yami Baito" Countermeasures
Undercover identity operations and role-play investigations are now part of the police toolkit against organized fraud and recruited-criminal schemes.
Retrial System Reform (under deliberation)
Following the Hakamata case, the Diet is considering a Criminal Procedure Code amendment that would impose a one-year deadline on prosecutorial appeals of retrial orders.
6. Constitutional and Judicial Developments
Same-Sex Marriage Cases Referred to Grand Bench (March 25, 2026)
The Supreme Court's Third Petty Bench referred six same-sex marriage cases to the Grand Bench. A first-ever Japanese Supreme Court constitutional ruling on same-sex marriage is expected by early 2027.
Final Transition to "My Number" Health Card
Issuance of conventional health insurance cards stopped in December 2024, and grace-period expirations are now reaching medical providers in earnest.
Implementation Checklist for Businesses
- Review HR rules and policies (customer-harassment, parental leave, part-timer enrollment)
- Update contract templates (Freelance Protection, Subcontract Act)
- Audit electronic recordkeeping systems
- Run employee training (harassment, compliance, drug awareness)
- Revisit invoice-system supplier strategy before the October 2026 credit reduction
Conclusion
April and May 2026 mark the most concentrated wave of statutory enforcement Japan has seen in a decade. Companies should audit their HR, legal, and accounting functions concurrently. For specific provisions, see our dedicated articles on each topic.
For tailored advice, please consult with a qualified attorney.