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.

In a shocking turn of events, major used car dealer Bigmotor finds itself at the center of a crisis that threatens not only its reputation but also its very existence in the insurance business. The Financial Services Agency (FSA) has announced its intent to revoke Bigmotor's registration as an insurance agent, marking one of the heaviest penalties ever imposed on insurance agents.

In the ever-evolving landscape of business, the strategic influence of lobbying in shaping policy and optimizing resource allocation is gaining recognition. A recent study conducted by Yale University offers compelling insights into the tangible benefits of lobbying efforts for businesses, shedding light on how this strategic activity significantly impacts resource allocation and productivity.