The New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) operates at the forefront of Japan's efforts to drive innovation in energy and industrial technologies. Established in 1980, NEDO plays a critical role in addressing energy and global environmental problems while enhancing industrial technology. As Japan navigates the challenges of energy security, climate change, and technological competitiveness, NEDO's initiatives are pivotal in shaping the future of the nation's economy and environmental sustainability. This article explores NEDO's mission, strategic functions, and key contributions to Japan's technological and energy advancements.

Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Hideki Murai announced at a press conference on February 1 that Akiko Murakami, CDO (Chief Digital Officer) of Sompo Japan Insurance Inc. will be the first director of the AI Safety Institute (AISI), a specialized organization to verify the safety of artificial intelligence (AI).

The National Information Security Center (NISC) of Japan stands as the pivotal entity responsible for ensuring the nation's cybersecurity. Established in 2005 under the Cabinet Secretariat, the NISC orchestrates Japan's comprehensive strategy to protect critical information infrastructure and counter cyber threats. As digital technologies continue to penetrate all aspects of society and the economy, the NISC's role in safeguarding Japan's cyberspace becomes increasingly crucial. This article offers an in-depth look into the NISC, exploring its mission, core functions, and strategic initiatives to bolster Japan's cybersecurity posture.

Japan is one of the world’s largest market for cosmetics and personal care, with an estimated value of up to US$32.05 billion in 2024 and expected to reach US$36.93 billion in 2029. The high consumer expenditure on cosmetics, particularly skincare products, contributes to the market's sustained growth. This guide provides an in-depth overview of the importation process for cosmetics into Japan.

Japan Customs, operating under the Ministry of Finance, plays a critical role in facilitating international trade while safeguarding the nation's borders. Established to manage the inflow and outflow of goods, it ensures that trade practices comply with Japanese law, collects tariffs, and prevents illegal activities. This article provides an overview of Japan Customs, highlighting its functions, achievements, and the challenges it navigates in the global trade landscape.

The rising health consciousness among Japanese consumers has significantly increased the demand for health foods and dietary supplements, offering a lucrative opportunity for foreign brands. However, the complex regulatory landscape in Japan requires careful navigation. This comprehensive guide aims to demystify the process of importing these products into Japan.

Established in 1947, the Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) serves as the cornerstone of Japan's efforts to ensure fair and free market competition. Positioned under the jurisdiction of the Cabinet Office, the JFTC is tasked with the crucial responsibility of enforcing the Antimonopoly Act, thereby preventing and eliminating monopolistic practices and ensuring an environment where businesses can compete on equal footing. This article delves into the mission, key functions, and the pivotal role the JFTC plays in maintaining market integrity and fostering economic growth in Japan.

The Japan Tourism Agency (JTA), established in 2008 under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), plays a pivotal role in Japan's efforts to bolster its tourism sector. As an island nation rich in cultural heritage, natural beauty, and technological marvels, Japan recognizes tourism as a key driver of economic growth and cultural exchange. This article provides an in-depth look at the JTA, its mission, strategies, and the challenges it faces in making Japan a premier global tourism destination.

Established in 2009, Japan's Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) plays a crucial role in safeguarding the rights and interests of consumers. Operating under the jurisdiction of the Cabinet Office, the CAA is at the forefront of efforts to ensure that consumer policies and regulations adapt to the evolving marketplace, providing protection against unfair trade practices and enhancing the quality of life for all citizens. This article delves into the CAA's mission, key functions, and the challenges it addresses in promoting consumer welfare in Japan.

Japan's Financial Services Agency (FSA) is a pivotal institution in the financial landscape of the nation, acting as the watchdog for its banking, securities, exchange, and insurance sectors. Established in 2000 under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Finance, the FSA plays a critical role in ensuring the stability of Japan’s financial system, protecting consumers, and fostering market growth. This article delves into the FSA’s roles, initiatives, and the challenges it faces in navigating the complex and evolving financial ecosystem.

The Agency for Natural Resources and Energy (ANRE), operating under the auspices of Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), is a cornerstone institution in the country's efforts to manage its energy resources and foster sustainable development. Established to oversee and coordinate Japan's energy policy, ANRE plays a pivotal role in ensuring energy security, promoting renewable energy, and advancing energy-related innovations to meet the nation's economic needs and environmental goals.

Japan is gearing up to introduce regulations that would reshape the dynamics of the mobile app market, taking on tech giants like Apple and Google. The proposed legislation, expected to reach parliament in 2024, aims to dismantle the dominance of these industry leaders by opening up mobile app stores to increased competition. This move is fueled by concerns over the monopolistic practices of major tech companies, sparking a potential revolution in the global mobile app ecosystem.

Japan is gearing up for a significant shift as it plans to partially lift the ban on ride-hailing services starting in April. In a move to combat the severe shortage of taxi drivers across the country, the government has proposed allowing nonprofessional drivers to operate in designated areas during specific times, guided by taxi companies. This initiative comes as a response to the growing demand for transportation services and aims to address the challenges posed by the scarcity of available rides.

On December 19, the LDP’s Headquarters for the Promotion of Economic Security, the Research Commission on Security, and the Headquarters for the Promotion of a Digital Society compiled an urgent resolution calling for legislation in the field of cyber security and submitted it to Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

On December 14th, the LDP's Headquarters for the Promotion of Digital Society introduced an "Urgent Proposal on Ensuring the Safety of AI and Promoting its Utilization", signaling a pivotal shift from voluntary guidelines to enforceable laws. While Japan has actively participated in global AI initiatives like the G7 Hiroshima AI Process, the urgency now is in crafting domestic guidelines and fostering AI utilization. The proposal emphasizes the creation of an AI Safety Institute to enhance safety evaluation standards and combat challenges such as misinformation.

In a move to contain the fallout from a deepening fundraising scandal, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is orchestrating a significant cabinet reshuffle. The scandal, which implicated four cabinet ministers associated with the influential Abe faction, prompted Kishida to act swiftly, aiming to mitigate political damage and restore public trust.

As the race for the leadership of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) heats up, a recent poll conducted by Nihon Keizai Shimbun and TV Tokyo has shed light on the public's sentiments regarding potential candidates for the coveted position. The poll, conducted from November 24 to 26, provides valuable insights into the preferences of the Japanese electorate as the LDP leader historically ascends to the role of the nation's prime minister.

In a groundbreaking move, Japan's Digital Agency has selected Sakura Internet, an Osaka-based IT firm, as the provider for the government cloud service managing sensitive information held by local governments. This historic decision marks a shift from the dominance of foreign providers, Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and Oracle, opening up possibilities for a domestically produced government cloud.

In a challenging period for Japan's political landscape, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida finds himself grappling with dwindling support, according to recent polls conducted by major newspapers in the country. The results, released by the Yomiuri, Asahi, and Mainichi on November 20th reveal support rates of 24%, 25%, and 21%, respectively—levels considered precarious for Japanese prime ministers.

In a significant step toward embracing the future of the Internet, the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan (LDP) has initiated discussions on the incorporation and taxation of DAOs (Distributed Autonomous Organizations) within the evolving landscape of web 3.0.