Three elements to prove under Product Liability Act?

7 years
Limitation period
Strict liabilit
Liability type
Article 3
Core provision
1994
Enactment year
The Short Answer

Under Japan’s Product Liability Act, a plaintiff must prove: (1) the product had a defect, (2) damage occurred, and (3) a causal relationship existed between the defect and the damage.

What the Law Says

Japan’s Product Liability Act (PL Act) establishes strict liability for manufacturers and importers when defective products cause harm. The law does not require proof of negligence — only three factual elements must be established.

The PL Act applies to defects in products supplied for consideration in the course of business. A 'defect' means that the product lacks the safety that people generally expect, considering its characteristics, usage, and timing of supply.

Damage includes death, personal injury, or loss of property other than the defective product itself. Damage to the product alone is not covered.

Causation requires a direct link between the defect and the specific damage suffered — the plaintiff must show that the damage would not have occurred but for the defect.

Statutory Text

A person who has been damaged by a defect in a product shall be entitled to claim damages from the manufacturer, etc., of the product.

— Product Liability Act, Art. 3 — Liability for Damage Caused by Defective Products
Statutory Text

In this Act, 'defect' means that the product lacks the safety which it should normally possess.

— Product Liability Act, Art. 2, para. 1 — Definition of Defect

What to Do

1

Gather evidence showing the product’s condition, instructions, warnings, and how it was used.

2

Document all injuries or property damage with medical reports, photos, receipts, and witness statements.

3

Identify the manufacturer or importer and confirm they are subject to the PL Act (e.g., operating in Japan).

4

File a claim within 3 years of discovering the damage and the identity of the responsible party — or within 10 years of delivery of the product, whichever comes first.

Sources

statuteProduct Liability Act, Art. 2, para. 1 — Definition of DefectstatuteProduct Liability Act, Art. 3 — Liability for Damage Caused by Defective ProductsstatuteProduct Liability Act, Art. 5 — Limitation Periods

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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.