"Overview of the Amendment to the Whistleblower Protection Act and Preparation for Implementation": STRATEGIC COMPLIANCE INSIGHTS October 2026

Overview of the Amendment to the Whistleblower Protection Act and Preparation for Implementation

1.       Introduction

The Act Partially Amending the Whistleblower Protection Act (Act No. 62 of 2025, the “Amended Act”) was enacted on June 4, 2025, and promulgated on the 11th of the same month. It is scheduled to take effect on December 1, 2026.

As the effective date of the Amended Act is approaching, this article provides an overview of the principal amendments and summarizes key considerations for businesses preparing for the Act’s implementation. We hope you will find it useful as a reference.

Please click here for the full article.

[Contents]

1.       Introduction

2.       Introduction of Criminal and Other Penalties for Business Operators that Violate the Obligation to Designate Engaged Persons

3.       Clarification of the Obligation to Raise Awareness of the System for Responding to Whistleblowing

4.       Expanding the Scope of Whistleblowers
5.       New Provisions Addressing Factors That Discourage Whistleblowing

6.       Shift of the Burden of Proof for Dismissals and Disciplinary Action Following Whistleblowing

7.       New Criminal Penalties for Dismissal or Disciplinary Action Due to Whistleblowing

8.       Conclusion

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Japanese:「公益通報者保護法の改正概要及び改正に伴う対応の留意点について」STRATEGIC COMPLIANCE INSIGHTS 2026年10月号

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