Act on the Promotion of Research and Development and Utilization of Artificial Intelligence-Related Technologies (AI Promotion Act, Act No. 53 of 2025)

Summary

Japan's AI Promotion Act is a framework law that favours innovation. It sets basic principles for AI research, development and use, creates an AI Strategy Headquarters in the Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister with all ministers as members, and requires the government to adopt an AI Basic Plan, which was approved on December 23, 2025. It gives the government powers to gather information and issue guidance and asks businesses to cooperate, but it sets no fines or other penalties. Most provisions took effect on June 4, 2025; the chapters on the Basic Plan and the Headquarters took effect on September 1, 2025.

Key dates

1. June 4, 2025Key date
2. October 16, 2026Checked against sources
3. October 21, 2026Checked against sources

Developments are added when the record is reviewed. Next review: October 16, 2027.

Evidence

Each passage is quoted from its source. The quoted passages are re-checked against the live pages every month.

1. On May 28, 2025, Japan's Parliament passed an Act to establish a national law to promote, and lightly regulate, AI

   Supports: Diet passage May 28, 2025

   The Basic AI Plan was approved by the Cabinet Office on December 23, 2025

   Supports: Basic Plan December 23, 2025

   there are several that impose duties on private business, but with no described penalty

   Supports: No penalties

   Japan's first AI legislation becomes law White & Case Reporting or analysis

2. Most provisions of the Act (except Chapters 3 and 4, and Articles 3 and 4 of its Supplementary Provisions) took effect on June 4, 2025

   Supports: Most provisions in force June 4, 2025

   Chaired by the Prime Minister and including all other Cabinet ministers as members

   Supports: AI Strategy Headquarters

   Understanding Japan's AI Promotion Act Future of Privacy Forum Reporting or analysis

3. 活用の推進に関する法律（令和七年法律第五三号）附則第一条ただし書に規定する規定の施行期日は、令和七年九月一日とすることとした。

   Supports: Act No. 53 of 2025; remaining provisions in force September 1, 2025

   PICK UP! 法令改正情報 Shin-Nippon Hoki Reporting or analysis