JapanWhat must a consumer prove for product liability?
A consumer in Japan must prove that the product had a 'defect', that harm occurred, and that the defect caused the harm — all under the Product Liability Act.
What the Law Says
Under Japan’s Product Liability Act, manufacturers and importers are strictly liable for damages caused by defective products. The consumer does not need to prove negligence — only that the product was defective, caused harm, and that the harm resulted from that defect.
The Product Liability Act (PL Act) imposes strict liability on manufacturers, importers, and others involved in the supply chain. This means the plaintiff does not need to show the defendant acted carelessly or breached a duty — only that the product was defective and caused damage.
A 'defect' is defined as 'a condition in which the product fails to possess the safety it should normally possess, taking into account its characteristics, the manner in which it is used or expected to be used, and the time it was supplied.'
Harm includes death, personal injury, and damage to property other than the defective product itself. Damage to the product alone is not covered.
The claim must be brought within 3 years from when the victim knew (or should have known) of the damage and the identity of the responsible party — or within 10 years from when the product was delivered, whichever comes first.
Statutory TextA manufacturer… shall be liable to compensate for any damage caused by a defect in his product.
— Product Liability Act, s. 3 — Liability of Manufacturer
Statutory Text‘Defect’ means a condition in which the product fails to possess the safety it should normally possess, taking into account its characteristics, the manner in which it is used or expected to be used, and the time it was supplied.
— Product Liability Act, s. 2(1) — Definition of Defect
What to Do
Confirm the product caused actual harm (injury, death, or damage to other property).
Gather evidence showing the product lacked expected safety (e.g., expert reports, user manuals, recalls).
Identify the manufacturer or importer — required for filing a claim.
File a claim within 3 years of discovering the harm and responsible party (or within 10 years of product delivery).
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.