15 Major Laws and Rule Changes Coming to Japan in 2026 You Should Know

Japan is set to introduce a wide range of legal and regulatory changes in 2026, affecting immigration, employment, technology, transportation, energy, taxation, and daily life. These reforms reflect Japan’s response to an aging population, labor shortages, digital transformation, security concerns, and growing inbound tourism.

Below is a detailed overview of 15 major laws and rule changes expected to take effect or advance significantly in 2026, based on government announcements, policy roadmaps, and ongoing legislative discussions.

1. Stricter Immigration and Residency Requirements

Japan plans to tighten screening for permanent residency and naturalization, including stricter background checks, longer evaluation periods, and closer scrutiny of tax and social insurance payment history.

Who it affects: Foreign residents, long-term visa holders
Purpose: Address public concerns while maintaining sustainable foreign labor intake

2. Higher Visa Fees and Departure Tax Adjustments

Visa renewal and application fees are expected to increase. The government is also considering raising the international departure tax, currently set at ¥1,000.

Who it affects: Tourists, students, foreign workers
Purpose: Fund tourism infrastructure and border management

3. Expanded Digital Residency Management

Japan will further integrate immigration procedures into its digital government platform, linking residence status with the My Number system.

Who it affects: Foreign residents, employers
Purpose: Reduce fraud, improve efficiency, and streamline compliance

4. AI Regulation and Governance Framework

Japan will introduce clearer legal guidelines governing artificial intelligence, including transparency, data usage, and risk management, aligned with global standards.

Who it affects: Tech companies, startups, research institutions
Purpose: Promote innovation while mitigating AI risks

5. Revised Labor Rules for Foreign Workers

Oversight of the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) and Technical Intern Training programs will be strengthened, including stricter employer accountability.

Who it affects: Foreign laborers, small and medium-sized enterprises
Purpose: Prevent exploitation and improve worker protection

6. Mandatory Corporate Cybersecurity Measures

Companies handling sensitive data will face new obligations to implement cybersecurity controls and incident reporting mechanisms.

Who it affects: Corporations, IT service providers
Purpose: Counter rising cyber threats and data breaches

7. Energy Safety and Nuclear Oversight Reforms

Utilities will be subject to tougher compliance requirements following recent data integrity scandals and growing earthquake risk awareness.

Who it affects: Power companies, local governments
Purpose: Restore public trust and enhance disaster resilience

8. Transportation Safety and Infrastructure Rules

Rail operators and logistics firms will face updated safety standards, including emergency evacuation procedures and electrical system inspections.

Who it affects: Rail companies, commuters
Purpose: Prevent large-scale service disruptions

9. Earthquake and Disaster Preparedness Regulations

Building codes and regional disaster planning standards will be revised, particularly in high-risk seismic zones.

Who it affects: Homeowners, developers, municipalities
Purpose: Reduce casualties and infrastructure damage

10. Tourism Conduct and Wildlife Protection Rules

New national guidelines prohibit feeding wildlife, leaving trash, or approaching dangerous animals such as bears, supported by multilingual pictograms.

Who it affects: Tourists, local businesses
Purpose: Protect public safety and ecosystems

11. Expanded Cashless Payment Mandates

More public services, transportation systems, and government fees will shift toward cashless-only payment options.

Who it affects: Residents, tourists
Purpose: Improve efficiency and reduce administrative costs

12. Environmental and Plastic Reduction Policies

Japan will expand bans and restrictions on single-use plastics and increase corporate reporting obligations on emissions.

Who it affects: Retailers, manufacturers
Purpose: Meet climate targets and sustainability goals

13. Property Purchase Review for Foreign Buyers

Stricter disclosure and review requirements will apply to foreign real estate purchases, particularly near sensitive locations.

Who it affects: Foreign investors
Purpose: Strengthen economic and national security

14. Financial Market and Insurance Oversight

Life insurance firms and financial institutions will face tighter consumer protection rules following major fraud revelations.

Who it affects: Financial service providers
Purpose: Prevent misconduct and protect customers

15. Prison, Justice, and Criminal Procedure Updates

Japan will continue reviewing detention practices, execution procedures, and court enforcement safety measures.

Who it affects: Legal system, enforcement agencies
Purpose: Improve human rights compliance and safety

Why These Changes Matter

Japan’s 2026 reforms signal a shift toward structured openness—maintaining global engagement while addressing domestic anxieties about security, fairness, and sustainability. For residents, businesses, and visitors alike, understanding these changes early will be essential for compliance and planning.