On September 9, 2026, Araki International IP & Law (AIL) held a workshop on the EU AI Act at the Research Institute of Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK).
The workshop, titled “The World’s First Comprehensive AI Regulation: An Overview of the EU AI Act and Key Developments in Europe,” was led by Akiko Araki, Managing Partner of AIL.
From the Overall Framework of the EU AI Act to Recent Regulatory and Enforcement Developments
The EU AI Act establishes different regulatory requirements depending on the risks and characteristics of AI, covering prohibited AI practices, high-risk AI systems, transparency requirements, and general-purpose AI (GPAI) models. As the Act may also apply to companies outside the EU, it is important for Japanese companies to understand its overall framework and assess how it may affect their businesses.
The workshop began with an overview of the EU AI Act, covering its risk-based regulatory framework, scope of application, extraterritorial application, and the obligations applicable to different categories of AI.
It also addressed recent regulatory and enforcement developments, including proposed amendments under the Digital Omnibus on AI, developments relating to enforcement in the EU, and examples of how leading AI companies are responding to transparency requirements.
Discussion on Conformity Assessment, Standards and Notified Bodies
Given ClassNK’s longstanding expertise in third-party certification and conformity assessment, the workshop explored in greater depth than a typical EU AI Act seminar topics such as conformity assessment procedures for high-risk AI systems, harmonised standards, the role of notified bodies, and the governance framework under the EU AI Act.
The workshop also covered practical steps and priorities for Japanese companies preparing to comply with the EU AI Act.
The session concluded with an engaging Q&A, where participants actively exchanged views on AI governance and practical approaches to regulatory compliance.
The session concluded with an engaging Q&A, where participants actively exchanged views on AI governance and practical approaches to regulatory compliance.
Implementing AI governance in business practice requires more than compliance with laws and regulations. It calls for a cross-disciplinary approach encompassing AI technology, standardisation, conformity assessment, risk management, and other areas of expertise.
AIL operates the AI Governance Platform, where companies and experts bring together practical challenges and knowledge to share and build practical expertise in AI governance. In particular, we work with companies operating globally to address AI laws and regulations in Japan and overseas and to develop practical governance frameworks that go beyond regulatory compliance.
The opportunity to discuss the EU AI Act with ClassNK, which has extensive expertise in third-party certification and conformity assessment, was particularly valuable to AIL’s efforts to approach AI governance by connecting different areas of expertise, including law, technology, and conformity assessment.
AIL will continue to work with companies, Platform members, and external partners across different fields to develop and implement practical governance frameworks that support the responsible use of AI by Japanese companies.
About Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK)
Founded in 1899, Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) is a ship classification society dedicated to ensuring the safety of life and property at sea and the prevention of pollution of the marine environment.
As an independent third party, ClassNK develops rules and conducts surveys to ensure the safety of ships. It also conducts surveys on behalf of State administrations and other third parties.
Drawing on its longstanding expertise, ClassNK provides a broad range of certification and verification services in areas including management systems, GHG emissions, and renewable energy.
About Araki International IP & Law
Since its establishment in 2021, Araki International IP & Law (AIL) has supported companies in intellectual property, technology, and cross-border matters, guided by its vision of supporting Japanese companies and individuals to succeed on the global stage.
AIL now focuses on AI governance, supporting companies in implementing practical AI governance across a broad range of areas—from compliance with the EU AI Act and other AI laws and regulations in Japan and overseas to AI-related risk assessments, internal rules and governance frameworks, and contractual matters.
AIL also operates the AI Governance Platform, where companies and experts share practical challenges and knowledge and work together to build best practices for AI governance.
