Japan International Arbitration Week 2026 was held
From 21 July to 25 July 2026, Japan International Arbitration Week (JIAW) 2026 was held at various venues in Tokyo and Kyoto.
JIAW is held jointly by relevant organizations (the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the Japan Association of Arbitrators (JAA), the Japan Commercial Arbitration Association (JCAA), and the Japan Federation of Bar Associations) as part of efforts to promote international arbitration and with a view to raising awareness of international arbitration and mediation both in Japan and abroad and enhancing Japan's standing as a hub for international arbitration and mediation.
During JIAW 2026, the Ministry of Justice, together with the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), which is engaged in international rulemaking efforts, including dispute resolution in the digital economy, hosted an event commemorating the 60th anniversary of UNCITRAL. In addition, lectures, panel discussions and other programs featuring practitioners were held by various organizations.
On 21 July, prior to the opening of JIAW 2026, Mr. FUKUYAMA Mamoru, Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Justice of Japan, held a meeting with Ms. Anna Joubin-Bret, Secretary of UNCITRAL. Parliamentary Vice-Minister FUKUYAMA and Secretary Joubin-Bret exchanged views on cooperation between the Ministry of Justice and UNCITRAL with a view to promoting rulemaking and capacity-building in the fields of international trade and dispute resolution.
JIAW is held jointly by relevant organizations (the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the Japan Association of Arbitrators (JAA), the Japan Commercial Arbitration Association (JCAA), and the Japan Federation of Bar Associations) as part of efforts to promote international arbitration and with a view to raising awareness of international arbitration and mediation both in Japan and abroad and enhancing Japan's standing as a hub for international arbitration and mediation.
During JIAW 2026, the Ministry of Justice, together with the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), which is engaged in international rulemaking efforts, including dispute resolution in the digital economy, hosted an event commemorating the 60th anniversary of UNCITRAL. In addition, lectures, panel discussions and other programs featuring practitioners were held by various organizations.
On 21 July, prior to the opening of JIAW 2026, Mr. FUKUYAMA Mamoru, Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Justice of Japan, held a meeting with Ms. Anna Joubin-Bret, Secretary of UNCITRAL. Parliamentary Vice-Minister FUKUYAMA and Secretary Joubin-Bret exchanged views on cooperation between the Ministry of Justice and UNCITRAL with a view to promoting rulemaking and capacity-building in the fields of international trade and dispute resolution.
Subsequently, at the opening remarks of JIAW 2026 held at the United Nations University in Tokyo, Parliamentary Vice-Minister FUKUYAMA welcomed the convening of Japan International Arbitration Week and the event commemorating the 60th anniversary of UNCITRAL, introduced Japan's efforts to promote international arbitration and mediation, and expressed his hope that the event would provide valuable insights into international arbitration and mediation and further deepen international discussion and cooperation.
On the same day, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and UNCITRAL jointly held panel discussions on such topics as UNCITRAL’s achievements over the past 60 years and Japan’s contributions, future cooperation between UNCITRAL and Japan, and the future of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) from the perspective of international rulemaking.
In addition, on 22 July, the Ministry of Justice and UNCITRAL jointly held a hybrid symposium for young people at the United Nations University. The symposium featured lectures on the practice of international arbitration and mediation, as well as an interactive discussion with audience participation on the role of UNCITRAL and related issues.
