In August 2026, Araki International IP&Law (“AIL”) launched the AI Governance Platform, a collaborative initiative designed to develop practical approaches to AI governance, and welcomed its first Founding Members.
AI Governance Is Becoming Essential to Business Growth
How companies approach AI and the challenges they face vary significantly. Large corporations and startups require different organizational structures, rules and resources, while the regulations and market practices that need to be monitored also differ depending on the countries and regions in which they operate.
As AI technologies and regulations continue to evolve rapidly, companies need to continuously review and adapt their governance frameworks to their own circumstances.
AI governance is now moving from principles to implementation. While the specific measures required will differ from company to company, as AI becomes increasingly embedded across business operations, AI governance is becoming relevant to virtually every company.
Turning Practical Knowledge into the Next Step for Companies
AIL helps companies translate AI governance requirements into concrete actions — identifying what needs to be done, by whom and by when. Where appropriate, we also work hands-on alongside our clients to help them implement those actions and achieve their goals.
The AI Governance Platform was established as the foundation for this approach.
The Platform currently provides the following core services, which we will continue to develop through interactive communication with our members, incorporating their practical challenges and insights:
| 1. Monthly briefings on regulatory and policy developments in Japan and the EU 2. Practical templates for implementing AI governance 3. Workshops, networking and other opportunities for members to connect and exchange practical insights 4. Access to experts |
AI governance is not an issue that can be addressed by legal teams alone. It requires the involvement of a wide range of functions and expertise, including management, legal and compliance, intellectual property, technology, information systems, cybersecurity, risk management and business divisions.
As the use of AI expands, it is becoming increasingly important for these functions to work across organizational boundaries, develop a shared understanding and translate decisions into practice. The Platform is also intended to facilitate this kind of cross-functional collaboration.
▶ For more information about the AI Governance Platform, please see here [（PDF, Japanese only].
The Expertise Behind AIL’s AI Governance Practice
Since 2024, in response to the rapid development of AI technologies, AIL has been advising clients on legal issues relating to AI.
Our work has included developing internal rules for the use of AI, drafting terms and conditions for AI services, and localizing agreements for overseas AI services for the Japanese market. More recently, as the EU AI Act has entered into broader application and enforcement, we have also seen growing interest in and inquiries concerning compliance with the EU AI Act.
The AI Governance Platform has been developed on the basis of the knowledge and experience we have built through this work.
AIL also works with professionals across different fields, including local counsel in the EU. Through this network, we support companies in developing and implementing governance frameworks that enable the responsible and effective use of AI.
Looking Ahead — Creating a Collaborative Platform for Diverse Stakeholders
The AI Governance Platform launched in August with its first Founding Members. We will continue to welcome new Founding Members through September 30, 2026.
At this stage, the Platform has been designed particularly to support global companies based in Japan, including those addressing compliance with the EU AI Act.
Looking ahead, we aim to develop the Platform into a collaborative community that brings together a broader range of stakeholders, including AI providers, startups, security solution providers, technology professionals and other professional advisors.
Contact
For inquiries, please contact:
business@arakiplaw.com
（Contact: Ueda）
