Article 1(1)The purpose of this Act is to establish the fundamental commonalities that manage the basis for the system of incorporated administrative agencies, including the basis for the administration of these agencies, and to achieve the establishment of the incorporated administrative agencies system and the secure implementation of the affairs and businesses conducted by incorporated administrative agencies from a public perspective, interdependently with laws that provide for matters concerning the name, purpose, and scope of operations, etc. of the respective incorporated administrative agencies (hereinafter referred to as the "Individual Acts"), thereby contributing to the stability of the lives of the people and to the sound development of society and the economy.

(2)The organization, administration and management of the respective incorporated administrative agencies are governed by the provisions of this Act, beyond the provisions of the relevant Individual Acts.

Article 2(1)The term "Incorporated Administrative Agency" as used in this Act means a corporation, incorporated pursuant to the provisions of this Act and the relevant Individual Act as an agency managed under the medium-term objectives, a national research and development agency or an agency engaged in administrative execution, for the purpose of effectively and efficiently conducting, from among the processes and services that need to be implemented securely from a public perspective, such as the stability of the lives of the people, society and the economy, and that do not need to be implemented directly by the State itself, those affairs that may not necessarily be implemented properly if entrusted to private entities or that need to be conducted monopolistically by a single entity (hereinafter referred to as " Public-Sector Processes, etc." in this Article).

(2)The term "Agency Managed under the Medium-term Objectives" as used in this Act means a corporation provided for by the relevant Individual Act as an Incorporated Administrative Agency whose purpose is to conduct, from among the Public-Sector Processes, etc., those processes that are required to be executed by the agency from a medium-term perspective in light of the characteristics of such affairs while displaying its independency and autonomy to a certain extent ( other than those to be conducted by a national research and development agency), in accordance with a plan for achieving the objectives concerning the running of its operations that are set by the State for a medium term, and thereby promoting the public interest through the provision of diverse and quality services that precisely meet the demands of citizens.

(3)The term "National Research and Development Agency" as used in this Act means a corporation provided for by the relevant Individual Act as an Incorporated Administrative Agency whose purpose is to conduct, as its major operations, from among the Public-Sector Processes, etc., those processes that are related to experiment, research or development in science and technology (hereinafter referred to as "Research and Development") and that are required to be executed by the agency from a medium and long term perspective in light of the characteristics of such processes while displaying its independency and autonomy to a certain extent, in accordance with a plan for achieving the objectives concerning the running of its operations that are set by the State for a medium and long term, and thereby ensuring the maximum results of the research and development in order to contribute to the sound development of the national economy and other public interests through the improvement in the level of science and technology in Japan.

(4)The term "Agency Engaged in Administrative Execution" as used in this Act means a corporation provided for by the relevant Individual Act as an Incorporated Administrative Agency whose purpose is to conduct, from among the Public-Sector Processes, etc., those processes that are required to be securely executed under the instructions of the State or other considerable involvement of the State given closely in relation to the administrative processes of the State, in accordance with a plan for achieving the objectives concerning the running of its operations that are set by the State for each business year, and thereby accurately and securely executing such Public-Sector Processes, etc.

Article 3(1)As the affairs and businesses that Incorporated Administrative Agencies conduct needs to be securely implemented from a public viewpoint, such as ensuring the stability of the lives of the people, society and the economy, these agencies must strive to administer their operations properly and efficiently.

(2)Incorporated Administrative Agencies must strive to make the status of their organization and administration transparent to citizens through means such as making public, the contents of their operations pursuant to the provisions of this Act.

(3)When implementing this Act and the Individual Acts, sufficient consideration must be given to the specifics of the processes and services of Incorporated Administrative Agencies, as well as the independency of Incorporated Administrative Agencies in the running of their operations, so that the processes and services of the Incorporated Administrative Agencies are conducted appropriately in light of the social and economic situations at home and abroad.

Article 4(1)The name of an Incorporated Administrative Agency is provided by the relevant Individual Act.

(2)A National Research and Development Agency is to use the characters "国立研究開発法人" (pronounced ''kokuritsu kenkyu kaihatsu houjin'' (meaning "National Research and Development Agency")) as part of its name.

Article 5The purpose of an Incorporated Administrative Agency is determined by the relevant Individual Act within the scope of the respective purposes referred to in Article 2, paragraph (2), paragraph (3) or paragraph (4).

Article 6An Incorporated Administrative Agency is a corporation.

Article 7(1)An Incorporated Administrative Agency establishes its principal office at the location provided by the relevant Individual Act.

(2)An Incorporated Administrative Agency can establish secondary offices at necessary locations.

Article 8(1)An Incorporated Administrative Agency must possess the stated capital and any other financial basis that are necessary for securely conducting its operations.

(2)The government may make capital contributions to an Incorporated Administrative Agency pursuant to the provisions of the relevant Individual Act if it finds this to be necessary in order to ensure that the Incorporated Administrative Agency can conduct its operations reliably..

(3)If any of the important property of an Incorporated Administrative Agency which is specified by order of the competent ministry (meaning an Order of the Cabinet Office or the relevant ministry that has jurisdiction over the Incorporated Administrative Agency concerned; provided, however, that with regard to an Incorporated Administrative Agency under the jurisdiction of the Nuclear Regulation Authority, an Regulation of the Nuclear Regulation Authority is Order of the Competent Ministry; the same applies hereinafter) is found to be no longer necessary for securely implementing its operations for the future due to a review of its operations, changes in the social and economic situations or any other grounds, the Incorporated Administrative Agency must dispose of the property (hereinafter referred to as "Unnecessary Property") pursuant to the provisions of Article 46-2 or Article 46-3.

Article 9(1)An Incorporated Administrative Agency must complete its registration pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Order.

(2)The particulars that must be registered pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph cannot be asserted against a third party until after they are registered.

Article 10No person other than an Incorporated Administrative Agency or National Research and Development Agency may use the characters "独立行政法人" (pronounced ''dokuritsu gyousei houjin'' (referring to "Incorporated Administrative Agency")) or "国立研究開発法人" (pronounced ''kokuritsu kenkyu kaihatsu houjin'' (meaning "National Research and Development Agency")) as part of its name.

Article 11The provisions of Article 4 and 78 of the Act on General Incorporated Associations and General Incorporated Foundations (Act No. 48 of 2006) apply mutatis mutandis to Incorporated Administrative Agencies.

Article 12An Committee on the System of Evaluating Incorporated Administrative Agencies (hereinafter referred to as the "Committee") is set up within the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.

Article 12-2(1)The Committee is responsible for conducting the following processes:

(2)When the Committee states its opinions pursuant to the provisions referred to in item (i) or item (ii) of the preceding paragraph or pursuant to the provisions of item (v) or item (vi) of the paragraph, it must publish the contents of such opinions.

Article 12-3(1)The Committee is composed of not more than ten committee members.

(2)If it is necessary to investigate and deliberate on any special matters, temporary committee members may be appointed.

(3)If it is necessary to investigate any matters requiring expertise, expert committee members may be appointed.

Article 12-4(1)Committee members and temporary members are appointed by the Prime Minister from among persons with relevant knowledge and experience.

(2)Expert members are appointed by the Prime Minister from among persons with the knowledge and experience on the matters requiring the relevant expertise.

Article 12-5(1)The term of office of a committee member is two years; provided, however, that the term of office of a committee member appointed to fill a vacancy is the period of the successors remaining term.

(2)Committee members may be reappointed.

(3)Upon the conclusion of the investigation and deliberation on the special matters for which the members have been appointed, temporary members are to be dismissed.

(4)Upon the conclusion of the investigation on the matters requiring the expertise for which the members have been appointed, expert members are to be dismissed

(5)Committee members, temporary members and expert members serve on a part-time basis.

Article 12-6(1)The Committee has a chairperson who is elected from among the committee members.

(2)The chairperson presides over the operations of the Committee and represents the Committee.

(3)If the chairperson is unable to attend to their duties, a committee member who has been designated by the chairperson in advance performs the duties of the chairperson on their behalf.

Article 12-7The Committee may request the head of the relevant administrative organ to submit materials, express opinions, provide explanation and offer any other necessary cooperation if it finds this to be necessary in order to carry out the processes under its jurisdiction.

Article 12-8Beyond what is provided for in this Section, the organization as well as the members and other officials of the Committee and any other necessary matters concerning the Committee are specified by Cabinet Order.

Article 13The procedure concerning the incorporation of an Incorporated Administrative Agency is as provided for in this Section, except as otherwise provided for by the relevant Individual Act.

Article 14(1)The competent minister nominates a person who is to be the president of an Incorporated Administrative Agency (hereinafter referred to as the "Agency President") and a person(s) who is to be an auditor(s) thereof.

(2)A person who is nominated to be the Agency President or an auditor pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph is deemed to be appointed respectively as the Agency President or auditor at the time of the formation of the Incorporated Administrative Agency as determined for in this Act.

(3)The provisions of Article 20, paragraph (1) apply mutatis mutandis to the nomination of a person who is to be the Agency President as referred to in paragraph (1).

Article 15(1)The competent minister appoints organizing committee members for the purpose of processing the affairs concerning the incorporation of an Incorporated Administrative Agency.

(2)When organizing committee members complete the preparation for incorporating an Incorporated Administrative Agency, they must notify the competent minister thereof and hand over the affairs concerning the incorporation to the person who is nominated to be the Agency President pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) of the preceding Article, without delay.

Article 16When the person who is nominated to be the Agency President pursuant to the provisions of Article 14, paragraph (1) takes over the affairs pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (2) of the preceding Article, the person must complete the registration of the incorporation without delay pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Order.

Article 17An Incorporated Administrative Agency is formed upon the registration of its incorporation.

Article 27The extent of operations of an Incorporated Administrative Agency is specified by the relevant Individual Act.

Article 28(1)On commencing operations, an Incorporated Administrative Agency must prepare a statement of operational procedures and obtain the authorization thereof from the competent minister. The same applies when the agency intends to revise such statement.

(2)The statement of operational procedures referred to in the preceding paragraph must contain the matters concerning the development of a system for ensuring that the performance of duties by its officers (other than auditors) complies with this Act, the relevant Individual Act and any other laws and orders and any other system for ensuring the proper operations of the Incorporated Administrative Agency, and other matters specified by order of the competent ministry.

(3)When an Incorporated Administrative Agency obtains the authorization referred to in paragraph (1), the authorized statement of operational procedures must be made public without delay.

Article 28-2(1)The Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications must formulate the guidelines for setting the medium-term objectives referred to in Article 29, paragraph (1), the medium to long-term objectives referred to in Article 35-4, paragraph (1), and the annual objectives referred to in Article 35-9, paragraph (1) and for conducting the evaluation referred to in Article 32, paragraph (1), Article 35-6, paragraphs (1) and (2), and Article 35-11, paragraphs (1) and (2), and must notify the competent minister of such guidelines and make them public. The same applies when the minister revises such guidelines.

(2)When the Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications intends to formulate or revise the guidelines referred to in the preceding paragraph, the minister must ensure that the contents of the guidelines related to the matters concerning the affairs and businesses in Research and Development, which are drafted by the Council for Science, Technology and Innovation pursuant to the provisions of the following Article, are reflected appropriately in the guidelines to be formulated or revised, and must hear the opinions of the Committee in advance.

(3)The competent minister must set the medium-term objectives referred to in Article 29, paragraph (1), the medium to long-term objectives referred to in Article 35-4, paragraph (1), and the annual objectives referred to in Article 35-9, paragraph (1), and conduct the evaluation referred to in Article 32, paragraph (1), Article 35-6, paragraphs (1) and (2), and Article 35-11, paragraphs (1) and (2), according to the guidelines referred to in paragraph (1).

Article 28-3The Council for Science, Technology and Innovation drafts the guidelines referred to in paragraph (1) of the preceding Article which are related to the matters concerning the affairs and businesses in Research and Development, upon the request of the Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications and in light of the characteristics of the affairs and businesses in Research and Development.

Article 28-4An Incorporated Administrative Agency must ensure that the results of the evaluation referred to in Article 32, paragraph (1), Article 35-6, paragraph (1) or paragraph (2) or Article 35-11, paragraph (1) or paragraph (2) are reflected appropriately in the medium-term plan referred to in Article 30, paragraph (1) and the annual plan referred to in Article 31, paragraph (1), the medium to long-term plan referred to in Article 35-5, paragraph (1) and the annual plan referred to in Article 31, paragraph (1) as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 35-8 after deemed replacement, or the annual objective plan referred to in Article 35-10, paragraph (1), and in the improvement of the running of its operations, and must make public how the evaluation results are reflected in these items for each fiscal year.

Article 29(1)The competent minister must set objectives concerning the running of the operations to be achieved by an Agency Managed under the Medium-term Objectives during a period of not less than three years and not more than five years (hereinafter referred to as "Medium-term Objectives"), and give instructions to the Agency Managed under the Medium-term Objectives with regard to these objectives and make them public. The same applies when the minister revises those objectives.

(2)The Medium-term Objectives are to specifically set forth the following matters:

(3)When the competent minister intends to set or revise the Medium-term Objectives, the minister must hear the opinions of the Committee in advance.

Article 30(1)When an Agency Managed under the Medium-term Objectives is given the instructions referred to in paragraph (1) of the preceding Article, it must prepare a plan for achieving the Medium-term Objectives (hereinafter referred to as a "Medium-term Plan" in this Section) pursuant to the provisions of order of the competent ministry based on the Medium-term Objectives and obtain the authorization for such a plan from the competent minister. The same applies when the agency intends to revise such plan.

(2)The Medium-term Plan is to specify the following matters:

(3)If the competent minister finds that the Medium-term Plan authorized thereby as referred to in paragraph (1) has become inappropriate for implementing the matters set forth in items (ii) through (v) of paragraph (2) of the preceding Article properly and securely, the minister may order such Medium-term Plan to be changed.

(4)When an Agency Managed under the Medium-term Objectives obtains the authorization referred to in paragraph (1), it must make public the authorized Medium-term Plan without delay.

Article 31(1)Prior to the start of each business year, an Agency Managed under the Medium-term Objectives must establish a plan for the running of the operations for the business year (referred to as an "Annual Plan" in the following paragraph) pursuant to the provisions of order of the competent ministry based on the Medium-term Plan as authorized under paragraph (1) of the preceding Article, and must notify the competent minister of such plan and make it public. The same applies when the agency changes such plan.

(2)With regard to the Annual Plan of an Agency Managed under the Medium-term Objectives for its first business year, the phrase "Prior to the start of each business year, ... the Medium-term Plan as authorized under paragraph (1) of the preceding Article" in the preceding paragraph is deemed to be replaced with "Without delay after obtaining the authorization referred to in paragraph (1) of the preceding Article for the first Medium-term Plan prepared since its formation, ... the Medium-term Plan."

Article 32(1)An Agency Managed under the Medium-term Objectives must undergo an evaluation conducted by the competent minister after the end of each business year with regard to the matters specified in each of the following items according to the business year among the years set forth respectively in these items to which the relevant business year corresponds:

(2)When an Agency Managed under the Medium-term Objectives intends to undergo the evaluation referred to in the preceding paragraph, it must submit a report to the competent minister which clearly indicates the matters specified in item (i), item (ii) or item (iii) of the paragraph and the results of the self-evaluation on these matters within three months from the end of each business year pursuant to the provisions of order of the competent minister, and must make such report public.

(3)The evaluation referred to in paragraph (1) must be conducted by comprehensively assessing the matters specified in item (i), item (ii) or item (iii) of the paragraph.In this case, the evaluation on the operational performance provided for in the items of the paragraph during the relevant business year must be conducted by investigating and analyzing the status of the implementation of the Medium-term Plan during the relevant business year and by taking into consideration the results of such investigation and analysis.

(4)When the competent minister conducts the evaluation referred to in paragraph (1), the minister must notify the Agency Managed under the Medium-term Objectives of the results of the evaluation and make such results public without delay.In this case, if the competent minister conducts the evaluation on the operational performance during the Period for the Medium-term Objectives that are expected to be achieved by the end of the Period for the Medium-term Objectives as provided for in item (ii) of the paragraph, the minister must also notify the Committee of the results of the evaluation without delay.

(5)The Committee must state its opinions to the competent minister with regard to the results of the evaluation that it has been notified of pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph if it finds this to be necessary.

(6)The competent minister may order the Agency Managed under the Medium-term Objectives to improve the running of its operations or take any other necessary measures if the minister finds this to be necessary based on the results of the evaluation referred to in paragraph (1).

Article 33Deleted

Article 34Deleted

Article 35(1)When the competent minister conducts the evaluation on the operational performance during the Period for the Medium-term Objectives that are expected to be achieved by the time of the end of the Period for the Medium-term Objectives as provided for in Article 32, paragraph (1), item (ii), the minister is to make a review, by the end of the Period for the Medium-term Objectives, with regard to the necessity for having the Agency Managed under the Medium-term Objectives continue its operations or maintain its organization and the overall aspects of its operations and organization, and must take measures for the discontinuation or transfer of its operations or the disestablishment of its organization or any other required measures based on the results of such review.

(2)The competent minister must notify the Committee of the results of the review referred to in the preceding paragraph and the details of the measures to be taken pursuant to the provisions of the paragraph and make public of such results and details.

(3)The Committee must state its opinions to the competent minister with regard to the matters which have been given notification pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph if the Committee finds this to be necessary.

(4)In the case referred to in the preceding paragraph, the Committee may make recommendations to the competent minister with regard to the reform or discontinuation of any major affairs and businesses of the Agency Managed under the Medium-term Objectives.

(5)If the Committee makes recommendations as referred to in the preceding paragraph, it must report the details of the recommendations to the Prime Minister and make such contents public.

(6)If the Committee makes recommendations as referred to in paragraph (4), it may request reports from the competent minister with regard to the measures that the minister has taken or intends to take based on its recommendations.

Article 35-2If the Committee makes recommendations pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (4) of the preceding Article and finds it to be particularly necessary, it may offer its opinions to the Prime Minister to propose that the measures under the provisions of Article 6 of the Cabinet Act (Act No. 5 of 1947) be taken with regard to the matters for which it has made the recommendations.

Article 35-3If the competent minister finds that an Agency Managed under the Medium-term Objectives, its officer or employees have engaged in misconduct or committed an act that violates this Act, the relevant Individual Act, any other laws and orders or is likely to engage in misconduct, commit such act, or if an Agency Managed under the Medium-term Objectives runs its operations in an extremely improper manner and it is obvious that the public interest would be harmed if such running of the operations were left unaddressed, and the minister finds it to be particularly necessary, the minister may order the Agency Managed under the Medium-term Objectives to take the necessary measures for rectifying such misconduct or act or for improving the operation of business.

Article 35-4(1)The competent minister must set objectives concerning the running of the operations to be achieved by a National Research and Development Agency during a period of not less than five years and not more than seven years (hereinafter referred to as "Medium to Long-term Objectives"), and give instructions to the National Research and Development Agency with regard to these objectives and make them public. The same applies when the minister revises those objectives.

(2)The Medium to Long-term Objectives are to specifically set forth the following matters:

(3)When the competent minister intends to set or revise the Medium to Long-term Objectives, the minister must hear the opinions of the Committee in advance.

(4)When the competent minister intends to hear opinions concerning the Medium to Long-term Objectives pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the minister must hear the opinions of a council, etc. (meaning the organ provided for in Article 37 or Article 54 of the Act for Establishment of the Cabinet Office (Act No. 89 of 1999) or Article 8 of the National Government Organization Act (Act No. 120 of 1948)) which is specified by Cabinet Order (hereinafter referred to as the "Council for Research and Development") with regard to the matters concerning the processes and services in Research and Development (other than those specified by Cabinet Order as minor processes or services; the same applies in Article 35-6, paragraph (6) and Article 35-7, paragraph (2)) in advance.

(5)The competent minister may appoint a Foreign National (meaning a person who does not have Japanese nationality; the same applies in the following paragraph) who has great insight in Research and Development as a member of the Council for Research and Development.

(6)In the case referred to in the preceding paragraph, a member of the Council for Research and Development who is a Foreign National may not preside over the processes of the Council for Research and Development or represent the Council for Research and Development, and the number of such members may not exceed one-fifth of the total number of members of the Council for Research and Development.

Article 35-5(1)When a National Research and Development Agency is given the instructions referred to in paragraph (1) of the preceding Article, it must prepare a plan for achieving the Medium to Long-term Objectives (hereinafter referred to as a "Medium to Long-term Plan" in this Section) pursuant to the provisions of Order of the competent ministry based on the Medium to Long-term Objectives and obtain the authorization for such a plan from the competent minister. The same applies when the agency intends to revise such plan.

(2)The Medium to Long-term Plan is to specify the following matters:

(3)If the competent minister finds that the Medium to Long-term Plan authorized thereby as referred to in paragraph (1) has become inappropriate for implementing the matters set forth in items (ii) through (v) of paragraph (2) of the preceding Article properly and securely, the minister may order such Medium to Long-term Plan to be revised.

(4)When a National Research and Development Agency obtains the authorization referred to in paragraph (1), it must make the authorized Medium to Long-term Plan public without delay.

Article 35-6(1)A National Research and Development Agency must undergo an evaluation conducted by the competent minister after the end of each business year with regard to the matters specified in each of the following items according to the business year among the years set forth respectively in these items to which the relevant business year corresponds:

(2)If the term of office of the first president of a National Research and Development Agency to be appointed on or after the first day of the Period for the Medium to Long-term Objectives is specified pursuant to the provisions of the proviso to Article 21-2, paragraph (1), or the term of office of the president of a National Research and Development Agency who is deemed to be appointed at the time of its formation pursuant to the provisions of Article 14, paragraph (2) is specified pursuant to the provisions of Article 21-2, paragraph (2), such National Research and Development Agency must undergo an evaluation conducted by the competent minister after the end of the business year in which the last day of the term of office of such president of the National Research and Development Agency (hereinafter referred to as the "First President of the National Research and Development Agency" in this paragraph) (including the term of office of the president of the National Research and Development Agency appointed to fill a vacancy) falls, with regard to the operational performance during the period between the business year in which the date of appointment of the First President of the National Research and Development Agency falls and the end of the business year in which the last day falls, beyond the evaluation under the provisions of the preceding paragraph.

(3)When a National Research and Development Agency intends to undergo the evaluation referred to in paragraph (1), it must submit to the competent minister a report which clearly indicates the matters specified in item (i), item (ii) or item (iii) of the paragraph and the results of its self-evaluation on these matters and make such reports public within three months from the end of each business year, pursuant to the provisions of order of the competent minister.

(4)When a National Research and Development Agency intends to undergo the evaluation referred to in paragraph (2), it must submit to the competent minister a report which clearly indicates the operational performance provided for in the paragraph and the results of its self-evaluation on the operational performance and make such reports public within three months from the end of the business year in which the last day provided for in the paragraph falls, pursuant to the provisions of order of the competent minister

(5)The evaluation referred to in paragraph (1) or paragraph (2) must be conducted by comprehensively assessing the matters specified in paragraph (1) item (i), item (ii), item (iii) or the operational performance provided for in paragraph (2).In this case, the evaluation on the operational performance provided for in the items of paragraph (1) during the relevant business year must be conducted by investigating and analyzing the status of the implementation of the Medium to Long-term Plan during the relevant business year and by taking into consideration the results of such investigation and analysis.

(6)When the competent minister intends to conduct the evaluation referred to in paragraph (1) or paragraph (2), the minister must hear the opinions of the Council for Research and Development with regard to the matters concerning the processes and serivices in Research and Development in advance.

(7)When the competent minister conducts the evaluation referred to in paragraph (1) or paragraph (2), the minister must notify the National Research and Development Agency of the results of the evaluation and make such results public without delay.In this case, if the competent minister conducts the evaluation on the operational performance during the Period for the Medium to Long-term Objectives that are expected to be achieved by the time of the end of the Period for the Medium to Long-term Objectives as provided for in paragraph (1), item (ii), the minister must also notify the Committee of the results of the evaluation without delay.

(8)The Committee must state its opinions to the competent minister with regard to the results of the evaluation that it has been notified of pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph if it finds this to be necessary.

(9)The competent minister may order the National Research and Development Agency to improve the running of its operations or take any other necessary measures if the minister finds this to be necessary based on the results of the evaluation referred to in paragraph (1) or paragraph (2).

Article 35-7(1)When the competent minister conducts the evaluation on the operational performance during the Period for the Medium to Long-term Objectives that are expected to be achieved by the end of the Period for the Medium to Long-term Objectives as provided for in paragraph (1), item (ii) of the preceding Article, the minister is to make a review, by the end of the Period for the Medium to Long-term Objectives, with regard to the necessity for having the National Research and Development Agency continue its operations or maintain its organization and the overall aspects of its operations and organization, and must take measures for the discontinuation or transfer of its operations or the disestablishment of its organization or any other required measures based on the results of such review.

(2)When making the review pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the competent minister must hear the opinions of the Council for Research and Development with regard to the matters concerning the processes and services in Research and Development.

(3)The competent minister must notify the Committee of the results of the review referred to in paragraph (1) and the details of the measures to be taken pursuant to the provisions of same paragraph and make such results and details public.

(4)If the Committee finds it necessary, it must state its opinions to the competent minister with regard to the matters that it has been notified of, pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph.

(5)In the case referred to in the preceding paragraph, the Committee may make recommendations to the competent minister with regard to the reform or abolishment of any major processes and services of the National Research and Development Agency.

(6)If the Committee makes recommendations as referred to in the preceding paragraph, it must report the contents of the recommendations to the Prime Minister and make such contents public.

(7)If the Committee makes recommendations as referred to in paragraph (5), it may request reports from the competent minister with regard to the measures that the minister has taken or intends to take based on its recommendations.

Article 35-8The provisions of Articles 31, 35-2, and 35-3 apply mutatis mutandis to a National Research and Development Agency.In this case: in Article 31, paragraph (1), the phrase "paragraph (1) of the preceding Article" is deemed to be replaced with "Article 35-5, paragraph (1)" and the term "Medium-term Plan" is deemed to be replaced with "Medium to Long-term Plan referred to in same paragraph"; in Article 31, paragraph (2), the phrase "as authorized under paragraph (1) of the preceding Article" is deemed to be replaced with "referred to in Article 35-5, paragraph (1) as authorized under same paragraph" and the phrase "authorization referred to in paragraph (1) of the preceding Article for the first Medium-term Plan" is deemed to be replaced with "authorization referred to in Article 35-5, paragraph (1) for the first Medium to Long-term Plan (meaning the medium to long-term plan referred to in same paragraph; hereinafter the same applies in this paragraph)"; and in Article 35-2, the phrase "paragraph (4) of the preceding Article" is deemed to be replaced with "Article 35-7, paragraph (5)."

Article 35-9(1)The competent minister must set objectives for each business year concerning the running of the operations to be achieved by an Agency Engaged in Administrative Execution (hereinafter referred to as "Annual Objectives"), and give instructions to the Agency Engaged in Administrative Execution with regard to these objectives and make them public. The same applies when the minister revises those objectives.

(2)The Annual Objectives are to specifically set forth the following matters:

(3)The Annual Objectives referred to in the preceding paragraph must contain the matters that should serve as a reference from a medium-term perspective with regard to the matters set forth in the items of same paragraph.

Article 35-10(1)When an Agency Engaged in Administrative Execution is given the instruction referred to in paragraph (1) of the preceding Article for each business year, prior to the start of the relevant business year, it must prepare a plan for achieving the Annual Objectives (hereinafter referred to as a "Annual Objective Plan" in this Article) pursuant to the provisions of order of the competent ministry based on the Annual Objectives and obtain the authorization for such a plan from the competent minister. The same applies when the agency intends to revise such plan.

(2)With regard to the Annual Objective Plan of an Agency Engaged in Administrative Execution for its first business year, the term "each business year" in the preceding paragraph is deemed to be replaced with "the first business year since its formation" and the phrase "prior to the start of the relevant business year" in the paragraph is deemed to be replaced with "without delay."

(3)The Annual Objective Plan is to specify the following matters:

(4)If the competent minister finds that the Annual Objective Plan authorized thereby as referred to in paragraph (1) has become inappropriate for implementing the matters set forth in the items of paragraph (2) of the preceding Article properly and securely, the minister may order such Annual Objective Plan to be revised.

(5)When an Agency Engaged in Administrative Execution obtains the authorization referred to in paragraph (1), it must make the authorized Annual Objective Plan public without delay.

Article 35-11(1)An Agency Engaged in Administrative Execution must undergo an evaluation conducted by the competent minister after the end of each business year with regard to its operational performance s in the relevant business year.

(2)Beyond the evaluation under the provisions of the preceding paragraph, an Agency Engaged in Administrative Execution must undergo an evaluation conducted by the competent minister after the end of the last business year within a period specified by order of the competent ministry, which is not less than three years and not more than five years, with regard to the status of the implementation during the period of the matters concerning the improvement of the efficiency of the running of the operations specified in the Annual Objectives.

(3)When an Agency Engaged in Administrative Execution intends to undergo the evaluation referred to in paragraph (1), it must submit to the competent minister a report which clearly indicates the operational performance provided for in same paragraph and the results of its self-evaluation on the operational performance and make such reports public within three months from the end of each business year, pursuant to the provisions of order of the competent minister.

(4)When an Agency Engaged in Administrative Execution intends to undergo the evaluation referred to in paragraph (2), it must submit to the competent minister a report which clearly indicates the status of the implementation of the matters provided for in same paragraph and the results of its self-evaluation on the status of the implementation of these matters and make such reports public within three months from the end of the business year provided for in the paragraph, pursuant to the provisions of order of the competent minister.

(5)The evaluation referred to in paragraph (1) or paragraph (2) must be conducted by comprehensively assessing the operational performance provided for in paragraph (1) or the status of the implementation of the matters provided for in paragraph (2).

(6)When the competent minister conducts the evaluation referred to in paragraph (1) or paragraph (2), the minister must notify the Agency Engaged in Administrative Execution of the results of the evaluation and make such results public without delay.In this case, if the competent minister conducts the evaluation referred to in paragraph (1) or paragraph (2), the minister must also notify the Committee of the results of the evaluation without delay.

(7)The Committee must state its opinions to the competent minister with regard to the results of the evaluation that it has been notified of pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph if it finds this to be necessary.

Article 35-12The competent minister may issue an order to an Agency Engaged in Administrative Execution as necessary for the supervision of its operations if the minister finds this to be particularly necessary in order to ensure that the agency achieves the Annual Objectives or to enforce this Act or the relevant Individual Act.

Article 50-2(1)The remuneration and retirement allowances (hereinafter referred to as the "Remuneration, etc.") of officers of an Agency Managed under the Medium-term Objectives must take into consideration the performance of the respective officers.

(2)An Agency Managed under the Medium-term Objectives must specify the standards for the payment of the Remuneration, etc. of its officers, and must notify the competent minister of such standards and make them public. The same applies when it revises such standards.

(3)The standards for the payment of the Remuneration, etc. referred to in the preceding paragraph must be specified by taking into consideration the salaries and retirement allowances (hereinafter referred to as the "Salaries, etc.") of national government employees, the Remuneration, etc. of officers of private enterprises, the operational performance of the relevant Agency Managed under the Medium-term Objectives, and any other circumstances.

Article 50-3While in office, an officer (other than a part-time officer) of an Agency Managed under the Medium-term Objectives must not serve as an officer of an organization for profit or engage in a business for profit independently, except when the officer obtains the approval of the appointer thereof.

Article 50-4(1)An officer or employee of an Agency Managed under the Medium-term Objectives (other than a part-time officer or employee; hereinafter referred to as an "Officer or Employee of an Agency Managed under the Medium-term Objectives"), for the purpose of seeking a position with a closely-related corporation, etc. for another Officer or Employee of the Agency Managed under the Medium-term Objectives, after separation from the service, or a person who formerly served as an Officer or Employee of the Agency Managed under the Medium-term Objectives, must not provide the closely-related corporation, etc. with information on the other Officer or Employee of the Agency Managed under the Medium-term Objectives or the person who formerly served as an Officer or Employee of the Agency Managed under the Medium-term Objectives, request the closely-related corporation, etc. to provide information on the position, or demand or request the closely-related corporation, etc. to offer a position to the other Officer or Employee of the Agency Managed under the Medium-term Objectives, after separation from the service, or to the person who formerly served as an Officer or Employee of the Agency Managed under the Medium-term Objectives.

(2)The provisions of the preceding paragraph do not apply in any of the following cases:

(3)The term "Closely-related Corporation, etc." referred to in the preceding two paragraphs means an Enterprise for Profit, etc. (meaning a private enterprise whose purpose is to engage in commerce, industry or financial business or any other business for profit (hereinafter referred to as an "Enterprise for Profit" in this paragraph) and a corporation other than an Enterprise for Profit (other than the national government, international organizations, local governments, Agencies Engaged in Administrative Execution, and Specified Local Incorporated Administrative Agencies provided for in Article 2, paragraph (2) of the Local Incorporated Administrative Agency Act (Act No.118 of 2003)); the same applies hereinafter), which is specified by Cabinet Order as a corporation to be in close relationship with the relevant Agency Managed under the Medium-term Objectives in terms of capital relationship, business transactions, etc.

(4)The term "Agency, etc. Subject to Aggregation of Retirement Allowance" referred to in paragraph (2), item (ii) means an Enterprise for Profit, etc. which is specified by the Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications from among those whose operations are closely related to the processes or operations of an Agency Managed under the Medium-term Objectives (limited to an Enterprise for Profit, etc. which provides in its rules on retirement allowances (including benefits equivalent thereto) that if an Officer or Employee of an Agency Managed under the Medium-term Objectives becomes an officer or employee of an Enterprise for Profit, etc. at the request of the president of the agency with no interruption between the two periods of service, the length of service as an Officer or Employee of an Agency Managed under the Medium-term Objectives is to be aggregated with the length of service as an officer or employee of the Enterprise for Profit, etc.).

(5)The term "Officer or Employee Scheduled to Receive an Aggregate Retirement Allowance" referred to in paragraph (2), item (ii) means an Officer or Employee of an Agency Managed under the Medium-term Objectives who, at the request of the Agency Managed under the Medium-term Objectives, is to retire to become an officer or employee of an Agency, etc. Subject to Aggregation of Retirement Allowance (meaning an Agency, etc. Subject to Aggregation of Retirement Allowance provided for in the preceding paragraph; the same applies hereinafter) with no interruption between the two periods of service, and is expected to be reemployed by the Agency Managed under the Medium-term Objective after working for the Agency, etc. Subject to Aggregation of Retirement Allowance with no interruption between the two periods of service, unless there are special circumstances, and who is specified by Cabinet Order.

(6)Beyond what is provided for in paragraph (1), an officer or employee of an Agency Managed under the Medium-term Objectives must not demand or request an Enterprise for Profit, etc. to offer a position with the enterprise, etc. to another officer or employee of the Agency Managed under the Medium-term Objectives, after the separation from the service, or to a person who formerly served as an officer or employee of the Agency Managed under the Medium-term Objectives, in relation to engaging in or having engaged in any Act, in the course of duties thereof, which violates this Act, the relevant Individual Act or other laws and orders , or the statement of operational procedures, rules established by the agency provided for in Article 49 or any other regulations (hereinafter referred to as an " Act that Violates the Laws and Orders, etc."), or in relation to causing or having caused another officer or employee of the Agency Managed under the Medium-term Objectives ton engage in committing an Act that Violates the Laws and Orders , etc.

Article 50-5An officer or employee of an Agency Managed under the Medium-term Objectives must not demand an Enterprise for Profit, etc. to offer a position with the Enterprise for Profit, etc. or promise to an Enterprise for Profit, etc. to assume a position with the Enterprise for Profit, etc. after the separation from the service, in relation to engaging or having engaged in any Act that Violates the Laws and Orders, etc. or in relation to causing or having caused another officer or employee of the Agency Managed under the Medium-term Objectives to engage in committing an Act that Violates the Laws and Orders, etc.

Article 50-6If an officer or employee of an Agency Managed under the Medium-term Objectives receives a demand or request as set forth in the following items, the officer or employee must notify the president of the Agency Managed under the Medium-term Objectives to that effect pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Order:

Article 50-7(1)If an Officer and Employee of an Agency Managed under the Medium-term Objectives (other than an Officer or Employee Scheduled to Receive an Aggregate Retirement Allowance provided for in Article 50-4, paragraph (5)) makes a promise to assume a position with an Enterprise for Profit, etc. after the separation from the service, the officer or employee must promptly notify the president of the Agency Managed under the Medium-term Objectives of the matters specified by Cabinet Order, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Order.

(2)The president of the Agency Managed under the Medium-term Objectives who received the notification under the provisions of the preceding paragraph is to take measures for personnel management from the standpoint of securing fairness in the operations of the Agency Managed under the Medium-term Objectives, so as to ensure that the duties of the officer or employee who made the notification will be performed in a proper manner.

Article 50-8(1)If the president of an Agency Managed under the Medium-term Objectives finds that any officer or employee of the Agency Managed under the Medium-term Objectives has committed an act in violation of any of the provisions of Article 50-4 through the preceding Article, the president must take supervisory measures against the officer or employee and measures necessary to ensure the compliance of the Agency Managed under the Medium-term Objectives with these provisions.

(2)If the president of an Agency Managed under the Medium-term Objectives receives the notification under the provisions of Article 50-6 and finds any evidence for a demand or request as mentioned concerning the notification, the president must take measures necessary to ensure the prevention of the occurrence of a Violation of Laws and Orders, etc. pertaining to the demand or request.

(3)For each year, the president of an Agency Managed under the Medium-term Objectives must prepare a report on the notification under the provisions of Article 50-6 and the details of the measures referred to in the preceding two paragraphs and submit it to the competent minister pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Order.

Article 50-9Cabinet Order prescribes the procedures necessary for the implementation of the provisions of Article 50-4 through the preceding Article.

Article 50-10(1)The salaries of employees of an Agency Managed under the Medium-term Objectives must consider the work performance of the respective employees.

(2)An Agency Managed under the Medium-term Objectives must specify the standards for payment of the Salaries, etc. for its employees, and must notify the competent minister of such standards and make them public. The same applies when the agency revises such standards.

(3)The standards for the payment of the Salaries, etc. referred to in the preceding paragraph must be determined by taking into consideration the Salaries, etc. of national government employees to whom the Act on Remuneration of Officials in the Regular Service (Act No. 95 of 1950) applies, the Salaries, etc. of employees of private enterprises, the operational performance of the relevant Agency Managed under the Medium-term Objectives, the nature of duties of employees, the employment status of employees, and any other circumstances.

Article 50-11The provisions of Article 50-2 through the preceding Article applies mutatis mutandis to a National Research and Development Agency.In this case, the phrase "Article 32, paragraph (1)" in Article 50-4, paragraph (2), item (iv) is deemed to be replaced with "Article 35-6, paragraph (1)," and the phrase "Period for the Medium-term Objectives" is deemed to be replaced with "Period for the Medium to Long-term Objectives," and the phrase "Article 35, paragraph (1)" in item (v) of the paragraph is deemed to be replaced with "Article 35-7, paragraph (1)."

Article 51The officers and employees of an Agency Engaged in Administrative Execution are national government employees.

Article 52(1)The Remuneration, etc. of officers of an Agency Engaged in Administrative Execution must take into consider the performance of the respective officers.

(2)An Agency Engaged in Administrative Execution must specify the standards for the payment of the Remuneration, etc. of its officers, and must notify the competent minister of such standards and make them public. The same applies when the agency revises such standards.

(3)The standards for the payment of the Remuneration, etc. referred to in the preceding paragraph must be specified by making reference to the Salaries, etc. of national government employees, and by taking into consideration the Remuneration, etc. of officers of private enterprises, the operational performance of the relevant Agency Engaged in Administrative Execution, the estimate of personnel expenses referred to in Article 35-10, paragraph (3), item (iii) for the Annual Objective Plan, and any other circumstances.

Article 53(1)An officer of an Agency Engaged in Administrative Execution (hereinafter simply referred to as an "Officer" from this Article through Article 56 and Article 69) must not disclose any secrets which the Officer has come to know in the course of their duties. The same applies after the Officer has retired.

(2)The provisions of the preceding paragraph do not apply to information required for the investigation at the Reemployment Surveillance Commission delegated pursuant to the provisions of Article 18-4 of the National Public Service Act (Act No. 120 of 1947) as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to paragraph (1) of the following Article, and pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (6) of the following Article.

(3)If an Officer is requested by the Reemployment Surveillance Commission to make a statement or to testify for the purpose of the investigation referred to in the preceding paragraph, the Officer must not refuse such request without reasonable grounds.

(4)While in office, an Officer must not become an officer of a political party or any other political organization, or actively engage in a political campaign.

(5)While in office, an Officer (other than a part-time Officer; the same applies in the following Article) must not engage in any other service for remuneration, operate a business for profit, or carry out any other operations for monetary profit, except when the Officer obtains the approval of the appointer.

Article 54(1)The provisions of Article 18-2, paragraph (1), Article 18-3, paragraph (1), Article 18-4, Article 18-5, paragraph (1), Article 18-6, Article 106-2 (excluding paragraph (2), item (iii)), Article 106-3, Article 106-4, and Article 106-16 through Article 106-27 of the National Public Service Act (including penal provisions pertaining to these provisions), as well as the provisions of Article 109 (limited to the portion pertaining to items (xiv) to (xviii)) and Article 112 of the Act apply mutatis mutandis to an Officer or a former Officer.In this case: in Article 18-2, paragraph (1) of the Act, the phrase "affairs concerning government positions pertaining to recruitment examinations, types of recruitment examinations and human resources to be secured by recruitment examinations , affairs concerning the ability to perform standard duties, basic policy on initial appointment, promotion, etc., special provisions for appointment, etc. of executive officials and fostering courses for executive candidates (including matters necessary for enforcing the basic standard provided for in Article 33, paragraph (1), concerning cultivation and utilization of excellent personnel in order to deal with change of demand for administrative services), affairs concerning methods of deciding the pay step for officials to whom the designated service salary schedule applies, provided for by Article 6-2, paragraph (1) of the Act on Remuneration of Officials in the Regular Service and deciding and revising the fixed numbers of officials in each grade of the salary schedules provided for by Article 8, paragraph (1) of said Act; and affairs concerning personnel evaluation of officials (which mean the evaluation of official's work performance after understanding their abilities and achievements shown in the course of duty in order to form a basis for appointment, remuneration, status, and other personnel management; the same applies hereinafter), training, efficiency, welfare, service discipline, and retirement management, etc. of officials (except those particulars under the jurisdiction of the National Personnel Authority, pursuant to the provisions of Article 3, paragraph (2))" is deemed to be replaced with "affairs relating to retirement management of officers"; in Article 18-3, paragraph (1) and Article 106-16 in the Act, the phrase "Article 106-2 to Article 106-4" is deemed to be replaced with "Article 106-2 through Article 106-4 as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 54, paragraph (1) of the Act on General Rules for Incorporated Administrative Agencies"; in Article 106-2, paragraphs (2) and (4), Article 106-3, paragraph (2) and Article 106-4, paragraph (2) of the Act, the phrase "the preceding paragraph" is deemed to be replaced with "the preceding paragraph as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 54, paragraph (1) of the Act on General Rules for Incorporated Administrative Agencies"; in Article 106-2, paragraph (2), item (ii) and paragraph (4), Article 106-3, paragraph (2), item (i), Article 106-4, paragraph (1) and Article 106-23, paragraph (1) of the Act, the phrase "official scheduled to receive an aggregate retirement allowance" is deemed to be replaced with "officer scheduled to receive an aggregate retirement allowance"; in Article 106-2, paragraph (2), item (ii) of the Act, the phrase "including cases where the purpose is to have an officer scheduled to receive an aggregate retirement allowance provided for in paragraph (4) as applied mutatis mutandis by replacing the terms under Article 54-2, paragraph (1) of the Act on General Rules for Incorporated Administrative Agency, assume a position in the aggregate retirement allowance corporation provided for in the following paragraph as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) of the same Article" is deemed to be replaced with "including the cases where the purpose is to have an employee scheduled to receive an aggregate retirement allowance provided for in paragraph (4) assume a position in the Agency, etc. Subject to Aggregation of Retirement Allowance provided for in the following paragraph"; in Article 106-2, paragraph (3) and Article 106-24, paragraph (2) of the Act, the phrase "item (ii) of the preceding paragraph" is deemed to be replaced with "item (ii) of the preceding paragraph, as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 54, paragraph (1) of the Act on General Rules for Incorporated Administrative Agencies"; in Article 106-2, paragraph (4) of the Act, the phrase " paragraph (2), item (ii)" is deemed to be replaced with "paragraph (2), item (ii), as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 54, paragraph (1) of the Act on General Rules for Incorporated Administrative Agencies," and the phrase "appointed by means of selection" is deemed to be replaced with "appointed"; in Article 106-3, paragraph (2), item (i) of the Act, the phrase "paragraph (4) of the preceding Article" is deemed to be replaced with "paragraph (4) of the preceding Article, as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 54, paragraph (1) of the Act on General Rules for Incorporated Administrative Agencies"; in Article 106-4, paragraph (3) of the Act, the phrase "the preceding two paragraphs" is deemed to be replaced with "the preceding two paragraphs, as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 54, paragraph (1) of the Act on General Rules for Incorporated Administrative Agencies"; in Article 106-4, paragraph (4) of the Act, the phrase "the preceding three paragraphs" is deemed to be replaced with "the preceding three paragraphs, as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 54, paragraph (1) of the Act on General Rules for Incorporated Administrative Agencies"; in Article 106-4, paragraph (5) of the Act, the phrase "the preceding paragraphs" is deemed to be replaced with "the preceding paragraphs, as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 54, paragraph (1) of the Act on General Rules for Incorporated Administrative Agencies"; in Article 106-22 of the Act, the term "Article 106-5" is deemed to be replaced with "Article 106-16 as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 54, paragraph (1) of the Act on General Rules for Incorporated Administrative Agencies"; in Article 106-23, paragraph (3) of the Act, the phrase "promptly notify the particulars pertaining to the said notification to the Prime Minister, when the official who submitted said notification is an official holding a managerial or supervisory government position (hereinafter referred to as a "managerial-supervisory official") specified by Cabinet Order" is deemed to be replaced with "promptly notify the Prime Minister of the particulars pertaining to the notification"; in Article 106-24 of the Act, the phrase "paragraph (1) of the preceding Article" is deemed to be replaced with "paragraph (1) of the preceding Article as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 54, paragraph (1) of the Act on General Rules for Incorporated Administrative Agencies"; in Article 109, item (xviii) of the Act, the phrase "a demand or request (including a demand or request listed in item (xiv) through the preceding item, as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 54, paragraph (1) of the Act on General Rules for Incorporated Administrative Agency) from reemployed officials listed in item (xiv) through the preceding item" is deemed to be replaced with "a demand or request (including a demand or request listed in item (xiv) through the preceding item) from a Reemployed Officer and Employee set forth in item (xiv) to the preceding item as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 54, paragraph (1) of the Act on General Rules for Incorporated Administrative Agency"; in Article 112, item (i) of the Act, the phrase "Article 106-2, paragraph (1)" is deemed to be replaced with "Article 106-2, paragraph (1) as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 54, paragraph (1) of the Act on General Rules for Incorporated Administrative Agencies"; in Article 113, item (i) of the Act, the phrase "Article 106-4, paragraphs (1) to (4)" is deemed to be replaced with "Article 106-4, paragraphs (1) through (4) as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 54, paragraph (1) of the Act on General Rules for Incorporated Administrative Agencies"; in Article 113, item (ii) of the Act, the phrase "Article 106-24, paragraph (1)" is deemed to be replaced with "Article 106-24, paragraph (1) as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 54, paragraph (1) of the Act on General Rules for Incorporated Administrative Agencies"; any other necessary technical changes in interpretation are specified by Cabinet Order.

(2)If it is necessary in relation to the investigation referred to in Article 18-3, paragraph (1) of the National Public Service Act as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to the preceding paragraph, the Prime Minister may summon a witness, or request the submission of documents which may be considered relevant to the matters to be investigated or copies thereof.

(3)When the Prime Minister finds it necessary in relation to the investigation referred to in Article 18-3, paragraph (1) of the National Public Service Act as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to paragraph (1), the Prime Minister may summon an Officer or a former Officer who is under investigation to appear and question the Officer, or may enter the place where the Officer works (including places where the Officer has worked before as an Officer), inspect books, documents and other objects as necessary, or question the persons concerned.

(4)A person who conducts an on-site inspection pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph must carry an identification card and present it to the persons concerned.

(5)The authority for the on-site inspection pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (3) must not be interpreted as having been accorded for the purpose of a criminal investigation.

(6)The Prime Minister delegates the authority under the provisions of paragraphs (2) and (3) to the Reemployment Surveillance Commission.

Article 55Compensation for an accident in the line of public duty or a commuting accident of an Officer or welfare services for an Officer who was involved in an accident in the line of public duty or a commuting accident, is governed by the rules for an employee of an Agency Engaged in Administrative Execution.

Article 56The provisions of the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance Act (Act No. 50 of 1947) do not apply to Officers.

Article 57(1)The salaries of employees of an Agency Engaged in Administrative Execution must be in accordance with the contents of their duties and the level of their responsibility and the efficiency demonstrated by the respective employees must be taken into consideration.

(2)An Agency Engaged in Administrative Execution must specify the standards for the payment of salaries of its employees, and must notify the competent minister of such standards and make them public. The same applies when the agency revises such standards.

(3)The standards for the payment of salaries referred to in the preceding paragraph must be specified by making reference to the salaries of national government employees to whom the Act on Remuneration of Officials in the Regular Service applies, and by taking into consideration the salaries of employees of private enterprises, the operational performance of the relevant Agency Engaged in Administrative Execution, the estimate of personnel expenses referred to in Article 35-10, paragraph (3), item (iii) for the Annual Objective Plan, and any other circumstances.

Article 58(1)An Agency Engaged in Administrative Execution must provide rules on the working hours, recesses, holidays and leave of its employees, and must notify the competent minister of such rules and make them public. The same applies when the agency revises such rules.

(2)The rules referred to in the preceding paragraph must take into consideration the working conditions of national government employees to whom the Act on Working Hours, Leave, etc. for National Public Officers Engaged in Regular Services (Act No. 33 of 1994) applies, and any other circumstances.

Article 59(1)The following provisions of the laws do not apply to employees of an Agency Engaged in Administrative Execution (hereinafter simply referred to as "Employees" in this Article):

(2)With regard to the application of the National Public Service Act to Employees, the term "government" in Article 2, paragraph (6) of the Act is deemed to be replaced with "Agency Engaged in Administrative Execution provided for in Article 2, paragraph (4) of the Act on General Rules for Incorporated Administrative Agencies (hereinafter referred to as an Agency Engaged in Administrative Execution)," the phrase "the government or governmental organ" in paragraph (7) of the Article is deemed to be replaced with "the Agency Engaged in Administrative Execution," the term "the Prime Minister" in Article 34, paragraph (1), item (v) of the Act is deemed to be replaced with "the Agency Engaged in Administrative Execution," the phrase "specified by Cabinet Order" in paragraph (2) of the Article is deemed to be replaced with "specified and publicized by an Agency Engaged in Administrative Execution," the phrase "may effect, with the approval of the National Personnel Authority" in Article 60, paragraph (1) of the Act is deemed to be replaced with "may effect," the phrase "may, with the approval of the National Personnel Authority" in the paragraph is deemed to be replaced with "may," the phrase "the head of the government agency appointing those officials" in Article 70-3, paragraph (1) of the Act is deemed to be replaced with "the president of the Agency Engaged in Administrative Execution for which the employee works," the phrase "the head of the government agency appointing officials" in Article 70-4, paragraph (1) of the Act is deemed to be replaced with "the president of the Agency Engaged in Administrative Execution for which the employee works," the term "the administrative organization" in Article 78, item (iv) of the Act is deemed to be replaced with "the organization," the phrase "the Act on Remuneration" in Article 80, paragraph (4) of the Act is deemed to be replaced with "the standards for the payment of salaries provided for in Article 57, paragraph (2) of the Act on General Rules for Incorporated Administrative Agencies," the phrase "by the rules of the National Personnel Authority" in the items of Article 81-2, paragraph (2) of the Act is deemed to be replaced with "by the president of the Agency Engaged in Administrative Execution," the phrase "one year, with the approval of the National Personnel Authority" in Article 81-3, paragraph (2) of the Act is deemed to be replaced with "one year," the phrase "the head of the government agency appointing the official" in Article 100, paragraph (2) of the Act is deemed to be replaced with "the president of the Agency Engaged in Administrative Execution for which the employee works," the phrase "the head of the government agency having jurisdiction over" in the paragraph is deemed to be replaced with "the president of the Agency Engaged in Administrative Execution," the term "the government" in Article 101, paragraph (1) of the Act is deemed to be replaced with "the Agency Engaged in Administrative Execution for which the employee works," the term "government agency" in paragraph (2) of the Act is deemed to be replaced with "Agency Engaged in Administrative Execution," the phrase "the head of the government agency appointing that official" in Article 103, paragraph (2) of the Act is deemed to be replaced with "the president of the Agency Engaged in Administrative Execution for which the employee works," and the phrase "the Prime Minister and the head of the government agency appointing that official" in Article 104 of the Act is deemed to be replaced with "the president of the Agency Engaged in Administrative Execution for which the employee works."

(3)With regard to the application of the provisions of Article 5 and Article 6, paragraph (3) of the Act on Treatment, etc. of National Public Officers Engaged in Regular Services Dispatched to International Organizations, etc. (Act No. 117 of 1970), the phrase "no more than one hundred percent of the salary, dependency allowance, district allowance, wide-area transfer allowance, researcher adjustment allowance, housing allowance and term-end allowance" in Article 5, paragraph (1) of the Act is deemed to be replaced with "salary," the phrase "rules of the National Personnel Authority (in the case where the dispatched official is subject to the application of the Act on the Salaries of Public Prosecutors (Act No. 76 of 1948), the rules provided for in Article 3, paragraph (1) of the Act" in paragraph (2) of the Article is deemed to be replaced with "the standards on the payment of salaries provided for in Article 57, paragraph (2) of the Act on General Rules for Incorporated Administrative Agencies (Act No. 103 of 1999)," and the term "the State" in Article 6, paragraph (3) of the Act is deemed to be replaced with "an Agency Engaged in Administrative Execution provided for in Article 2, paragraph (4) of the Act on General Rules for Incorporated Administrative Agencies," and the term "the Act" is deemed to be replaced with "the National Public Officers' Accident Compensation Act."

(4)With regard to the application of the provisions of Article 3, paragraph (1), Article 12, paragraph (1), Article 15 and Article 22 of the Act on Childcare Leave, etc. of National Public Officers: in the proviso to Article 3, paragraph (1) of the Act, the phrase "the leave to be given in cases specified by rules of the National Personnel Authority such as the case where it is appropriate that an employee is absent from work due to childbirth, among the special leave provided for in Article 19 of the Act on Working Hours," is deemed to be replaced with "the leave for childbirth of an employee, among the types of leave specified by the rules under the provisions of Article 58, paragraph (1) of the Act on General Rules for Incorporated Administrative Agencies (Act No. 103 of 1999)," the phrase "the period specified by rules of the National Personnel Authority pursuant to the provisions of the Article" is deemed to be replaced with "the period specified by the rules," the phrase "within the period specified by rules of the National Personnel Authority" is deemed to be replaced with "within the period specified by the rules," the phrase "the leave, or the leave specified by rules of the National Personnel Authority as being equivalent to the leave pursuant to the provisions of Article 23 of the Act on Working Hours" is deemed to be replaced with "the leave"; in Article 12, paragraph (1) of the Act, the phrase "the working arrangement provided for in any of the following items (in the case of an employee subject to the application of the provisions of Article 7, paragraph (1) of the Act on Working Hours, the working arrangement set forth in item (v))" is deemed to be replaced with "the working arrangement specified by the president of the Agency Engaged in Administrative Execution provided for in Article 2, paragraph (4) of the Act on General Rules for Incorporated Administrative Agencies so that the number of working hours would be within a range between the number of hours obtained by the sum of One-Fifth of the Working Hours (meaning the number of hours calculated by multiplying the Employee's regular working hours per week (hereinafter referred to as "Weekly Working Hours" in this paragraph) by one-fifth and Rounding-up (meaning rounding-up of a fraction less than the minimum unit of five minutes; hereinafter the same applies in this paragraph); the same applies in Article 15), multiplied by two, and One-Tenth of the Working Hours (meaning the number of hours calculated by multiplying the Weekly Working Hours by one-tenth and Rounding-up; the same applies in the Article), and the number of hours obtained by multiplying One-Eighth of the Working Hours (meaning the number of hours calculated by multiplying the Weekly Working Hours by one-eighth and making a Round-up) by five"; in Article 15 of the Act, the phrase "within the range between 19 hours 25 minutes to 19 hours 35 minutes" is deemed to be replaced with "within the range between the number of hours obtained by the sum of One-Fifth of the Working Hours multiplied by two and One-Tenth of the Working Hours and the number of hours obtained by multiplying One-Tenth of the Working Hours by five"; and in Article 22 of the Act, the phrase "from Article 15 to the preceding Article" is deemed to be replaced with "Article 15 and the preceding two Articles."

(5)With regard to the application of the provisions of Article 12, paragraph (3), item (iv) and Article 39, paragraph (8) of the Labor Standards Act (Act No. 49 of 1947) to Employees, the phrase "Article 2, item (i) of the Act on the Welfare of Workers Who Take Care of Children or Other Family Members Including Child Care and Family Care Leave (Act No. 76 of 1991)" in Article 12, paragraph (3), item (iv) of the Act is deemed to be replaced with "Article 3, paragraph (1) of the Act on Childcare Leave, etc. of National Public Officers (Act No. 109 of 1991)," the phrase "item (ii) of the Article" in the item is deemed to be replaced with "Article 2, item (ii) of the Act on the Welfare of Workers Who Take Care of Children or Other Family Members Including Child Care and Family Care Leave (Act No. 76 of 1991)," the phrase "Article 2, item (i) of the Act on the Welfare of Workers Who Take Care of Children or Other Family Members Including Child Care and Family Care Leave" in Article 39, paragraph (8) of the Act is deemed to be replaced with "Article 3, paragraph (1) of the Act on Childcare Leave, etc. of National Public Officers," and the phrase "item (ii) of the Article" in the paragraph is deemed to be replaced with "Article 2, item (ii) of the Act on the Welfare of Workers Who Take Care of Children or Other Family Members Including Child Care and Family Care Leave."

(6)With regard to the application of the provisions of Article 74, paragraph (4) of the Mariners Act (Act No. 100 of 1947) to Employees, the phrase "Article 2, item (i) of the Act on the Welfare of Workers Who Take Care of Children or Other Family Members Including Child Care and Family Care Leave (Act No. 76 of 1991)" in the paragraph is deemed to be replaced with "Article 3, paragraph (1) of the Act on Childcare Leave, etc. of National Public Officers (Act No. 109 of 1991)," and the phrase "item (ii) of the Article" in the paragraph is deemed to be replaced with "Article 2, item (ii) of the Act on the Welfare of Workers Who Take Care of Children or Other Family Members Including Child Care and Family Care Leave (Act No. 76 of 1991)."

Article 60(1)For each business year, an Agency Engaged in Administrative Execution must report the number of its employees who are required to engage in full-time service (including employees who are not required to engage in full-time service and who are specified by Cabinet Order, such as those who have received a disposition of administrative leave or suspension from duty under the provisions of Article 79 or Article 82 of the National Public Service Act and those who are exempted from an obligation to give full attention to their duty pursuant to the provisions of any laws or orders; referred to as "Full-time Employees" in the following paragraph) to the competent minister, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Order.

(2)The government must report the number of Full-time Employees of an Agency Engaged in Administrative Execution to the Diet every year.

(3)An Agency Engaged in Administrative Execution must notify the Prime Minister of the matters specified by the Prime Minister as being necessary for the enforcement of the provisions of Chapter III, Section 8 and Chapter IV (including the cases where applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 54, paragraph (1)) of the National Public Service Act, by the day specified by the Prime Minister.

Article 61Deleted

Article 62Deleted

Article 63Deleted