Japan

JGB Liquidity Enhancement Auction, April 16, 2026

Japan's Ministry of Finance announced a liquidity enhancement auction of Japanese Government Bonds (JGBs) scheduled for April 16, 2026, with an offering amount of approximately 650 billion yen. The auction will cover eligible 10-year, 20-year, and 30-year outstanding JGBs.

End User List Expands to 835 Entities with Conventional Weapons

METI has revised Japan's End User List, expanding it from 748 to 835 entities (an increase of 87) across 15 countries and regions. The list now includes entities involved in conventional weapons development in addition to WMDs and missiles. Exporters must verify transaction status against the list and submit export license applications when dealing with listed entities, effective October 9, 2025.

Japan Extends North Korea Import/Export Ban for Two Years

METI extended the comprehensive ban on all Japanese exports to North Korea and imports from North Korea for two years, effective April 14, 2025 through April 13, 2027. Exporters must obtain approval from the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry under Article 48(3) of the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act, and importers must obtain approval under Article 52. Intermediate trade transactions and payment of import bills for unapproved North Korean goods are also prohibited.

Japan Revises End User List, 748 Entities Listed

Japan's METI has revised its End User List, adding 42 entities for a total of 748 listed entities from 15 countries. The list identifies foreign entities with potential involvement in weapons of mass destruction and missile development. Exporters must submit license applications when shipping goods to listed entities, effective February 5, 2025.

Carbon Dioxide Streams for CCS Added to Export Controls

Japan's METI has issued a cabinet order amending the Export Trade Control Order to add carbon dioxide streams for CCS (Carbon Capture and Storage) purposes to the list of goods requiring approval for export. The amendment implements Japan's obligations under the 1996 London Protocol, adding CO2 streams exported for disposal via sequestration to Appended Table 2. Exporters must obtain approval from the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, with enforcement beginning January 19, 2026.

METI Reapplies UN Iran Sanctions, Freezes 78 Entities and 43 Individuals

METI announced the reapplication of UN Iran sanctions following UNSC Resolution 2231, reimposing measures from Resolutions 1737, 1747, 1803, and 1929 that had been lifted. The Government of Japan implemented asset freezes against 78 entities and 43 individuals designated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for involvement in Iran's nuclear proliferation activities and delivery systems development. Japanese businesses must now comply with payment restrictions, capital transaction prohibitions, and investment bans under FEFTA.

Draft Revisions to Japan's Corporate Governance Code for Public Consultation

The Financial Services Agency of Japan and Tokyo Stock Exchange have launched a public consultation on proposed draft revisions to Japan's Corporate Governance Code. The consultation seeks feedback on amendments affecting listed companies and institutional investors, with comments due by Friday, 15 May 2026. The revisions build upon prior versions applicable from 1 June 2015, revised on 1 June 2018 and 11 June 2021.

Japan FSA shares IAIS cooperation interview, March 2026

Japan's Financial Services Agency announced publication of an interview with IAIS Executive Committee Chair Miyoshi Toshiyuki in The Eurofi Magazine (March 2026). The interview discusses IAIS efforts to promote cross-border supervisory convergence and strengthen global cooperation in insurance amid increasing geopolitical fragmentation.

Twenty-fourth Meeting of the Council for Cooperation on Financial Stability

The Financial Services Agency (FSA) and Bank of Japan (BOJ) held their twenty-fourth joint Council for Cooperation on Financial Stability meeting on April 8, 2026. Senior officials including the FSA Commissioner and BOJ Deputy Governors convened to exchange views on current financial system and market conditions.

Working Group Report and Roadmap for Sustainability Disclosures and Assurance

The Japan Financial Services Agency (JFSA) published the Report of the Working Group on Disclosure and Assurance of Sustainability-related Financial Information, originally released by the Financial System Council on January 8, 2026, along with the accompanying Japanese Roadmap for sustainability disclosures and assurance. The roadmap outlines Japan's approach to mandatory sustainability-related disclosures and assurance requirements for listed companies and financial institutions, with the English version now made publicly available.