What It Is

The Act on the Protection of Personal Information (APPI), enacted in 2003 (Act No. 57) with key 2022 amendments, is Japan's national regulation governing personal data handling by businesses. It balances privacy protection with data utility via a risk-based approach, applying extraterritorially to foreign entities targeting Japanese residents, enforced by the Personal Information Protection Commission (PPC).

Key Components

• Principles: purpose limitation, minimization, transparency, security, data subject rights (access, correction, deletion within 30 days).
• Sensitive information (medical, racial data) requires explicit consent; no opt-out for transfers.
• Pseudonymously processed information allows analytics flexibility.
• Four security categories: systematic, human, physical, technical.
• Compliance model: PPC audits, no mandatory certification.

Why Organizations Use It

Mandatory for data handlers to avoid ¥100 million fines, criminal penalties, breach notifications. Builds trust (78% consumer preference), enables cross-border transfers, yields ROI via efficiency (15-25% cost reduction), competitive moats like P Mark.

Implementation Overview

5-phase framework (12-24 months): gap analysis, governance, technical controls, testing, monitoring. Applies to all sizes/industries handling Japanese data; SMEs lighter, enterprises require DPOs.

What It Is

BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is a leading science-based sustainability certification framework for the built environment. Developed by BRE in 1990, it assesses environmental, social, and resilience performance across buildings, infrastructure, and communities using a credit-based, weighted scoring methodology.

Key Components

• 10 core categories: Management, Health & Wellbeing, Energy, Transport, Water, Materials, Waste, Land Use & Ecology, Pollution, Innovation.
• Credits awarded for compliance, aggregated into ratings (Pass to Outstanding ≥85%).
• Scheme-specific manuals, KBCNs for updates, and third-party assurance via licensed assessors and BRE audits.

Why Organizations Use It

• Drives operational savings (e.g., 22-33% energy reduction), asset value uplift (up to 30%), and ESG alignment.
• Supports regulatory compliance (e.g., EU Taxonomy), risk mitigation, and market differentiation.
• Builds stakeholder trust through verified performance.

Implementation Overview

• Phased approach: pre-assessment, design integration, construction evidence, certification.
• Applies globally to all sizes/industries; requires early BREEAM Assessor involvement and evidence submission for BRE QA.