JapanWhat is the opt-out notification system?
The opt-out notification system in Japan is a legal mechanism that allows individuals to refuse receipt of unsolicited commercial emails or calls by registering their contact information in a government-designated registry.
What the Law Says
Japan’s opt-out notification system is established under the Act on Regulation of Transmission of Specified Electronic Mail (commonly called the 'Email Act'). It requires businesses sending commercial emails to honor opt-out requests and prohibits sending emails to addresses registered in the official opt-out registry.
The system centers on the 'Specific Email Opt-Out Registry', operated by the Consumer Affairs Agency. Senders must check this registry before transmitting commercial emails and must stop sending to any registered address.
Businesses must also include clear opt-out instructions in every commercial email — such as a functional unsubscribe link or reply address — and must process opt-out requests within 14 days.
Violations can lead to administrative guidance, orders to cease transmission, and criminal penalties including fines up to 100,000 yen or imprisonment up to 3 years.
Statutory TextNo person shall transmit specified electronic mail to an addressee who has notified the sender that he or she does not wish to receive such mail.
— Act on Regulation of Transmission of Specified Electronic Mail, s. 3 — Prohibition of transmission to persons who have opted out
Statutory TextThe Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications may designate an organization to operate a registry for addressees who do not wish to receive specified electronic mail.
— Act on Regulation of Transmission of Specified Electronic Mail, s. 7 — Designation of registry operator
Statutory TextA person who violates Article 3…shall be punished by imprisonment with work for not more than three years or a fine of not more than one hundred thousand yen.
— Act on Regulation of Transmission of Specified Electronic Mail, s. 18 — Penalty
What to Do
Check the official Specific Email Opt-Out Registry (managed by the Consumer Affairs Agency) before sending commercial emails.
Include clear, functional opt-out instructions (e.g., reply-to address or one-click unsubscribe) in every commercial email.
Honor all opt-out requests within 14 days of receipt.
Keep records of opt-out requests and compliance actions for at least 6 months.
Register your business with the Consumer Affairs Agency if you send over 5,000 commercial emails per month (voluntary but recommended for compliance).
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.