Chief Justice Yukihiko Imazaki announced that Japan will begin digitalizing civil court proceedings this month to better meet increasing judicial needs [1].

This transition represents a fundamental shift in the Japanese legal system, aiming to modernize the judiciary in response to a rapidly changing global and domestic environment. By reducing the reliance on paper-based systems, the government seeks to lower barriers for citizens seeking legal recourse.

Speaking during a press conference on May 3, 2026, which coincided with Constitution Memorial Day, Imazaki said the digital transformation is a critical step to improve the convenience of court access for the public. He said the move would rationalize and streamline procedures to enhance the overall function of dispute resolution [1].

Imazaki linked the need for these reforms to the current state of international and domestic affairs. He said that external and internal situations are becoming increasingly fluid and unstable, which has heightened the need for stable social functions [1].

To support this transition, the revised Code of Civil Procedure is scheduled to take effect on May 21, 2026 [1]. This legislative update provides the legal framework necessary to implement the digital changes starting in May 2026 [1].

Imazaki said the priority is to refresh the nature of litigation to be rational and efficient in accordance with the demands of the era. He said this approach will allow the courts to respond accurately to the growing judicial needs of the population [2].

“Digitalization of court proceedings is an important initiative to improve the convenience of public access to courts.”

The digitalization of Japan's civil courts marks a departure from a historically rigid, paper-heavy legal culture. By aligning the judiciary with modern technological standards and updating the Code of Civil Procedure, Japan is attempting to reduce the time and cost associated with litigation, potentially increasing the volume of cases filed as the system becomes more accessible to the general public.