Japan strengthens generative AI procurement guidelines

Japan has approved updated guidelines for the procurement and use of generative AI across government information systems, strengthening governance and risk-management requirements for public administration.

The revised document, titled ‘The Guideline for Japanese Government’s Procurements and Utilizations of Generative AI for the sake of Evolution and Innovation of Public Administration’, was approved on 12 June 2026 by the Council for the Promotion of a Digital Society Executive Board Meeting.

The guidelines update a first version adopted in May 2025 and reflect advances in generative AI technologies, expanded government use cases and domestic and international AI policy developments. They are intended to promote the use of generative AI in government while setting rules for governance, procurement, development, operation and use.

The document covers generative AI systems and models, large language models, AI governance frameworks, high-risk generative AI projects, Chief AI Officers and risk management throughout the lifecycle of government AI systems.

Each ministry and agency is expected to promote the use of generative AI while assessing risks for specific use cases. Chief AI Officers will be responsible for centrally managing generative AI systems, including planning, administrative data handling, procurement, operation and risk cases.

The guidelines also set out a framework for high-risk uses of generative AI. Chief AI Officers must assess risk classifications with planners, use a high-risk project assessment tool and report likely high-risk projects to the Advanced AI Utilization Advisory Board, including project details, objectives, mitigation measures and quality assurance plans.

Why does it matter?

Japan’s update shows how governments are moving from experimentation with generative AI towards formal operating rules for public-sector deployment. The guidelines link AI adoption to procurement controls, lifecycle governance, high-risk assessment and institutional accountability through Chief AI Officers. That matters because public administrations are under pressure to use GenAI to improve services and efficiency, while also managing risks related to security, administrative decision-making, personal data, intellectual property, and public trust.

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