Final Report of the Study Council for Promoting Translation of Japanese Laws and Regulations into Foreign Languages >>

The Study Council engaged in the task of creating platform and mechanism for translating the Japanese laws into foreign languages (foremost into English) has released its conclusive report on March 23, 2006.

The “Study Council for Promoting Translation of Japanese Laws and Regulations into Foreign Languages” (hereinafter referred to as the “Study Council”), to which belonged experts as well as relevant ministries and agencies in a cross-sectoral manner, was aimed at making comprehensive and multifaceted studies on matters concerning the development of a foundation for promoting the translation of Japanese laws and regulations into foreign languages.

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The Survey on Actual Conditions Regarding Access to Japan Pharmaceuticals >>

This seminal Survey was released in 1998 and even now represent a considerable interest.

Introduction: Japan has made particular effort to open its markets through deregulation and other measures to contribute to the well-balanced development of the global economy and enhance the quality of life in our nation. It has also aimed to increase imports through several promotional policies. But we cannot deny the continued presence of discontent and criticism abroad that “There are great barriers to the in-flow of goods from overseas into the Japanese market.” In particular, with trade barriers such as tariffs or quotas becoming lower or less frequent, more attention is being paid to government regulations and business practices within Japan. If these circumstances are the true reasons for disturbing the in-flow of goods from abroad, the repercussions include not only the preventing of the activities of overseas companies in the Japanese market, but also the limiting of opportunities for Japanese consumers to use foreign goods effectively. Conversely, we also see some government regulations and business practices which are peculiar to individual countries in Europe and America. Because of this we think it is necessary to compare Japanese government regulations and business practices to those in other countries to evaluate them as objectively as possible. Regarding the actual conditions of access to the Japanese market, it is important to objectively grasp the characteristics of the government regulations and business practices and the influence they have on market entry. The above should be done to reach an objective understanding, both at the domestic and foreign level of the conditions of access regarding the Japanese market and to advance constructive discussion about how Japanese government regulations and business practices should be. From these viewpoints, this report, due to the requests of foreign countries and the existence of price gaps, focuses on a particular chosen industry or area every year. We produce concrete international comparisons with US and European countries and analytical surveys on government regulations, business practices and other market forces relating to certain industries. The aim of this report is to stimulate a wide range of opinions by providing materials for further discussion on the nature of Japanese government regulations, business practices and other market forces.

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