News & Column

Key Legislative Changes Affecting Corporate Legal Compliance in FY2026

From the Companies Act to the FIEA and the Act on the Protection of Personal Information — a practical overview of the most important regulatory changes taking effect in Japan this fiscal year.

AI-Assisted Contract Review: Where Things Stand — and What Lawyers Still Need to Do

Our office uses AI contract review tools in practice. This article explores their capabilities and limitations, and how the attorney's role adapts in an AI-augmented workflow.

Defamatory Posts Against Your Business — From Takedown Requests to Compensation Claims

Malicious reviews on Google, false posts on X (Twitter), and anonymous attacks on job review sites. Recent amendments to Japan's provider liability law make it much easier to identify the poster.

Compliance for Insurance Agencies in Japan — What the Insurance Business Act Requires

Japan's Insurance Business Act imposes strict obligations on agencies regarding suitability, comparative recommendations, and governance. Here is what agencies must have in place.

Small M&A in Japan: Due Diligence Essentials for Sub-¥100M Transactions

Small-scale M&A deals are booming in Japan, driven by the succession crisis among SME owners. This article covers the key legal risks buyers and sellers often overlook.

Japan's APPI: A Privacy Policy Review Checklist for Web Service Operators

Has your privacy policy kept up with Japan's revised Act on the Protection of Personal Information? This checklist covers consent requirements, third-party transfers, and cross-border data flows.

[Seminar] Contract Dispute Prevention for SMEs — Toshima Business Support Event

Attorney Sugimoto will serve as lecturer at a Toshima Ward-sponsored business seminar on preventing and handling contract disputes. Open to SME owners and managers.

FY2025 Financial Regulation Updates: FIEA, Payment Services Act & Crypto-Asset Rules

Based on our article in Kindai Sales, this piece summarises the most important financial regulatory changes for FY2025, including new rules for stablecoins and crypto-assets.

Japan's Power Harassment Prevention Act Now Covers All Employers — What SMEs Must Do

Following the extension of Japan's power harassment prevention obligations to SMEs, here is a practical guide to the minimum measures required: policy, helpline, and training.