A seminar on the Data Protection Reform was organized on 21 April, 2016 in Tokyo with the support of the Delegation of the European Union to Japan and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO).
This seminar aimed at providing an opportunity to better understand the state-of-play of the rules on data protection in the EU and Japan where the respective legal frameworks are undergoing reform.

In today's world, cross-border data transfers, including of personal data, are increasing as a result of globalisation, the expansion of cross-border business activities and digitalisation. The establishment and constant improvement of effective data protection frameworks are instrumental in building trust, crucial for innovation and, ultimately, for economic growth.
Moreover, it is necessary to guarantee a high level of data protection in both the EU and Japan in order to help facilitate the smooth cross-border transfer of such data.

In this respect, both sides see important developments. In Japan, the amended Act on the Protection of Personal Information was promulgated in September 2015 and the Personal Information Protection Commission (PPC) was established was established on 1 January 2016 by the amendment of the Act. Currently, the PPC is drafting Cabinet Orders, rules and guidelines to clarify the articles of the amended Act. As for the EU, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has been politically agreed by the co-legislators at the end of 2015. It was formally adopted in April and will become applicable two years after publication. During this interim period, the European Commission will work closely with the national supervisory authorities in the EU Member States and other stakeholders to ensure the uniform and effective application of the new rules.

This seminar provided an overview of the new personal data protection frameworks in Japan and the EU, including the challenges faced and the solutions to address those challenges.

It attracted more than 180 participants, reflecting a timely organisation and strong interests in the subject.

Programme
16:00-16:05 Welcome remarks by the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
16:05-16:25 Presentation from Japan
Mr. Kazunori Yamamoto, Director, Secretariat, Personal Information Protection Commission (PPC)
16:25-17:05 Presentation from the EU
Mr. Bruno Gencarelli, Head of Unit, Data Protection Unit, Directorate-General Justice and Consumers, European Commission
17:05-17:30 Q&A
17:30-19:00 Networking Reception