1. The Science and Technology Basic Law (Unofficial Translation)(Law No. 130 of 1995. Effective on Novem ber 15, 1995)
Chapter 1 General Provisions
(Objective)
Article 1 The objective of this law is to achieve a higher standard
of science and technology (herei nafter referred to as "S&T"),
to contribute to the development of the economy and socie ty in Japan and to
the improvement of the welfare of the nation, as well as to contribute to the
prog ress of S&T in the world and the sustainable development of human society,
through prescribing th e basic policy requirements for the promotion of S&T
(excluding those relevant only to the humani ties in this law) and comprehensively
and systematically promoting policies for the progress of S& ;T.
(Guidelines for Promotion of S&T)
Article 2 S&T shall be actively promoted in harmony with
human life, society and nature with the recognition that the creativity of researchers
and technicians (hereinafter referred to as "Res earchers") can be
fully developed, in consideration of the fact that S&T provides the basis
for the future development of Japan and human society and that the accumulation
of knowledge on S& ;T is the intellectual asset common for all mankind.
2 In the promotion of S&T, the improvement of balanced ability
of research and development (here inafter referred to as "R&D")
in various fields, harmonized development among basic res earch, applied research
and development and organic cooperation of national research institutes, univ
ersities (including graduate schools in this law.) and private sector etc. should
be considered, and in consideration of the fact that the mutual connection between
natural science and the humanities is essential for the progress of S&T,
attention should be paid to the balanced development of both.
(Responsibility of the Nation)
Article 3 The nation is responsible for formulating and implementing
comprehensive policies with reg ard to the promotion of S&T.
(Responsibility of Local Governments)
Article 4 The local governments are responsible for formulating
and implementing policies with regar d to the promotion of S&T corresponding
to national policies and policies of their own initiative s in accordance with
the characteristics of their jurisdictions.
(Necessary Consideration to be given by the Nation and Local
Governments in Formulating Policies)
Article 5 In formulating and implementing policies with regard
to the promotion of S&T, the nati on and local governments shall pay attention
to the importance of their roles in promoting basic rese arch and consider that
basic research has the following characteristics:
() It could bring about discovery and elucidation of new
phenomena and make the creation of novel technologies possible;
() Forecasting its results at the outset of research is difficult; and
() The results are not necessarily directly connected to practical applications.
(Necessary Consideration in Policies with regard to universities)
Article 6 In formulating and implementing policies related to
universities and Inter-university Rese arch Institutes (hereinafter referred
to as "Universities"), with regard to the promotion o f S&T, the
local and national governments shall make an effort to activate research in Universiti
es, respect the autonomy of Researchers and consider the characteristics of research
in Universities.
(Legislative and other Measures)
Article 7 The Government shall take the appropriate legislative,
fiscal, financial and other necessa ry measures required to implement the policies
with regard to the promotion of S&T.
(Annual Report)
Article 8 The Government shall annually submit a report on the
policy measures implemented with rega rd to the promotion of S&T to the National
Diet.
) It could bring about discovery and elucidation of new
phenomena and make the creation of novel technologies possible; 
) Forecasting its results at the outset of research is difficult; and 
) The results are not necessarily directly connected to practical applications.