Article 5-2(1)The government is to establish a basic policy for comprehensively and effectively promoting the demonstration of new technology, etc. and new business activities (that policy is referred to below as the "basic policy" in this Article, Article 8-2, paragraph (4), item (i), and Article 9, paragraph (4), item (i)).

(2)The basic policy is to specify the following:

(3)The Prime Minister is to prepare a draft of the basic policy and seek a cabinet decision.

(4)The government must publicize the basic policy without delay when a cabinet decision is made under the preceding paragraph.

(5)The government is to revise the basic policy if need arises, due to changes in circumstances, such as fluctuations in the state of the economy.

(6)The provisions of paragraphs (3) and (4) apply mutatis mutandis to changes in basic policy under the preceding paragraph.

Article 6(1)A person that intends to start implementing the demonstration of new technology, etc. or new business activities, by receiving the application of special measures for new regulations may request the competent minister to prepare new special measures for new regulations, as prescribed by order of the competent ministry.

(2)If the competent minister who has received a request under the preceding paragraph finds it necessary and appropriate to take new special measures for regulations based on the request, that minister is to notify the person who made that request to that effect, and give the details of the new special measures for regulations to be taken, and is to publicize without delay the details of the new special measures for regulations to be taken.

(3)If the competent minister has received a request under paragraph (1) and finds it unnecessary or inappropriate to take new special measures for regulations based on the request, that minister is to notify the person making the request to that effect and give the reason for the notice, without delay.

(4)If the competent minister has received a request under paragraph (1) and determines whether or not to take new special measures for regulations (limited to those regarding the demonstration of new technology, etc.) based on the request, the competent minister is to hear the opinion of the New Technology Effects Evaluation Committee (meaning the New Technology Effects Evaluation Committee referred to in Article 14-2; the same applies below in this Section).

(5)The competent minister may hear the opinion of the New Technology Effects Evaluation Committee if the minister has received a request under paragraph (1) and finds it necessary to do so in determining whether or not to take any new special measures for regulations (limited to those regarding new business activities) based on the request.

Article 7(1)A person that intends to start implementing the demonstration of new technology, etc. or new business activities may ask for confirmation from the competent minister regarding the interpretation of provisions of Acts and orders based on Acts (including public notices; the same applies below in this Article and Article 147, paragraph (1)) that provide for regulations on the demonstration of new technology, etc. or the new business activities and business activities related to them (referred to below as the "new business activities, etc." in this paragraph and Article 14) and the applicability of those provisions to the demonstration of new technology, etc. or the new business activities, etc., as prescribed by order of the competent ministry.

(2)If the competent minister has been asked for confirmation under the preceding paragraph, the minister is to give a response without delay to the person making the request with the reason for the reply, and publicize the details of the response.

Article 8The competent minister is to provide necessary information and advice, in response to consultation from a person that intends to make a request under Article 6, paragraph (1) or paragraph (1) of the preceding Article.

Article 8-2(1)A person that intends to start implementing the demonstration of new technology, etc. may prepare a plan for that demonstration of new technology, etc. (referred to below as a "plan to demonstrate new technology, etc."), and submit it to the competent minister to receive its approval, as prescribed by order of the competent ministry.

(2)If two or more persons intend to coordinate in starting implementing the demonstration of new technology, etc., those two or more persons may coordinate in preparing a plan to demonstrate new technology, etc. to receive the approval as referred to in the preceding paragraph.

(3)A plan to demonstrate new technology, etc. must contain the following:

(4)If the competent minister has received an application for approval as stated in paragraph (1) and finds that the plan to demonstrate new technology, etc. conforms to all of the following items, the minister is to approve the plan; and in this case, the competent minister is to hear the opinion of the New Technology Effects Evaluation Committee.:

(5)If the competent minister has granted the approval as stated in paragraph (1), the minister is to publicize the details of the plan to demonstrate new technology, etc. related to the approval, as prescribed by order of the competent ministry.

Article 8-3(1)If the competent minister has granted the approval as stated in paragraph (1) of the preceding Article, the minister is to promptly issue a certificate of approval to the person that has obtained the approval referred to in the paragraph (referred to below as the "approved implementer to demonstrate new technology, etc."), as prescribed by order of the competent ministry.

(2)The certificate of approval referred to in the preceding paragraph must contain the following:

(3)When an approved implementer to demonstrate new technology, etc. seeks the consent of the participants, etc., the implementer must present the certificate of approval referred to in paragraph (1).

(4)When an approved implementer to demonstrate new technology, etc. obtains the consent prescribed in paragraph (3), item (iv) of the preceding Article, the implementer must report to the competent minister to that effect.

Article 8-4(1)When an approved implementer to demonstrate new technology, etc. intends to make changes to the plan to demonstrate new technology, etc. regarding that approval, the implementer must submit the certificate concerning the approval and receive the approval of the competent minister, as prescribed by Orders of the competent ministries.

(2)The competent minister may rescind the approval if the minister finds that an approved implementer to demonstrate new technology, etc. is not carrying out the demonstration of new technology, etc. in accordance with the plan to demonstrate new technology, etc. regarding the approval (or, the plan after changes under the preceding paragraph, if an approval has been granted for those changes; referred to below as an "approved plan for the demonstration of new technology, etc.")..

(3)If the competent minister finds that an approved plan to demonstrate new technology, etc. no longer conforms to any of the items of Article 8-2, paragraph (4), the minister may direct the approved implementer to demonstrate new technology, etc. to make changes to the approved plan for the demonstration of new technology, etc. or may rescind the approval. In such a case, the competent minister is to hear the opinion of the New Technology Effects Evaluation Committee.

(4)If the competent minister has rescinded the approval referred to in Article 8-2, paragraph (1) pursuant to the provisions of the preceding two paragraphs, the minister is to notify the approved implementer to demonstrate new technology, etc. to that effect, and publicize it. .

(5)If the approval stated in Article 8-2, paragraph (1) has been rescinded pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (2) or (3), the approved implementer to demonstrate new technology, etc. must promptly return the certificate of approval to the competent minister.

(6)The provisions of Article 8-2, paragraphs (4) and (5) and the preceding Article apply mutatis mutandis to the approval stated in paragraph (1).

Article 9(1)A person that intends to start new business activities may prepare a plan for those activities (referred to below as a "plan for new business activities"), and submit it to the competent minister to seek their approval, as prescribed by order of the competent ministry.

(2)If two or more persons intend to coordinate in implementing new business activities, those two or more persons may coordinate in preparing a plan for new business activities, and receive the approval for them referred to in the preceding paragraph.

(3)A plan for new business activities must contain the following matters:

(4)If the competent minister has received an application for approval as stated in paragraph (1) and finds that the plan for new business activities conforms to all of the following items, the minister is to approve the plan; in this case, the minister may hear the opinion of the New Technology Effects Evaluation Committee if the minister finds it necessary:

(5)If the competent minister has granted approval as stated in paragraph (1), the minister is to publicize the details of the plan for new business activities subject to the approval, as prescribed by order of the competent ministry.

Article 10(1)If a person that has obtained approval as stated in paragraph (1) of the preceding Article (referred to below as an "approved implementer of new business activities") intends to make changes to the plan for new business activities regarding that approval, the person must receive approval from the competent minister, as prescribed by order of the competent ministry.

(2)The competent minister may rescind the approval if the minister finds that an approved implementer of new business activities is not implementing new business activities in accordance with the plan for new business activities regarding the approval (or, the plan after changes under the preceding paragraph, if an approval has been granted for those changes; referred to below as an "approved plan for new business activities").

(3)If the competent minister finds that an approved plan for new business activities no longer conforms to any of the items of paragraph (4) of the preceding Article, the minister may direct the approved implementer of new business activities to make changes to the approved plan for new business activities, or may rescind the approval. In this case, if the competent minister finds it necessary, the minister may hear the opinion of the New Technology Effects Evaluation Committee.

(4)If the competent minister has rescinded the approval referred to in paragraph (1) of the preceding Article pursuant to the provisions of the preceding two paragraphs, the minister is to notify the approved implementer of new business activities to that effect and publicize it.

(5)The provisions of paragraphs (4) and (5) of the preceding Article apply mutatis mutandis to the approval stated in paragraph (1).

Article 11While an approved implementer to demonstrate new technology, etc. is implementing demonstration of new technology, etc. or an approved implementer of new business activities is implementing new business activities, the competent minister is to provide necessary information and advice to the approved implementer to demonstrate new technology, etc. or the or approved implementer of new business activities as needed.

Article 11-2(1)If a notice of or consent to the assignment of a claim (including the assignment of a claim that has not yet arisen) (referred to below as a "notice of the assignment of a claim, etc." in this paragraph) is given by using an information system (limited to that falling under both of the following items) provided by an approved implementer of new business activities, in accordance with an approved plan for new business activities (limited to that regarding the public notice under paragraph (1) or (3) of the following Article), the notice, etc. of the assignment of a claim is deemed to be the notice or consent through an instrument with a certified date, prescribed in Article 467, paragraph (2) of the Civil Code; in this case, the date on which the notice of the assignment of a claim, etc. was given is the certified date:

(2)The provisions of the preceding paragraph apply mutatis mutandis to a notice of or consent to creation of a pledge over a claim (including a pledge over a claim which has not yet arisen).

(3)The provisions of paragraph (1) apply mutatis mutandis to the notice of or consent to the subrogation by performance referred to in Article 467, paragraph (1) of the Civil Code as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 500 of the Code. In this case, the phrase "Article 467, paragraph (2) of the Civil Code" in paragraph (1) is to be deemed replaced with "Article 467, paragraph (2) of the Civil Code as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 500 of the Code".

(4)The provisions of paragraph (1) apply mutatis mutandis to a notice of or consent to transfer of the beneficial interest prescribed in Article 2, paragraph (7) of the Trust Act (Act No. 108 of 2006). In this case, the phrase "Article 467, paragraph (2) of the Civil Code" in paragraph (1) is to be deemed replaced with "Article 94, paragraph (2) of the Trust Act (Act No. 108 of 2006)".

Article 11-3(1)If the competent minister has granted approval as stated in Article 9, paragraph (1) for a plan for new business activities, describing the special measures for regulations prescribed in the preceding Article, as the matters stated in Article 9, paragraph (3), item (iv), the minister is to issue a public notice concerning the name, trade name, and address of the person that has obtained that approval.

(2)If an approved implementer of new business activities concerning a public notice under the preceding paragraph intends to change their name, trade name, and address, they must notify the competent minister to that effect in advance, as prescribed by order of the competent ministry.

(3)If the competent minister has received a notification under the preceding paragraph, the minister is to issue a public notice to that effect.

(4)If an approved implementer of new business activities concerning the public notice under paragraph (1) or the preceding paragraph intends to discontinue the new business activities implemented in accordance with the approved plan for new business activities concerning that public notice, they must notify the competent minister to that effect in advance, as prescribed by order of the competent ministry.

(5)If the competent minister is to issue a public notice to that effect if the minister has rescinded the approval of an approved plan for new business activities concerning the public notice under paragraph (1) or (3), pursuant to the provisions of Article 10, paragraph (2) or (3), or has received a notification under the preceding paragraph .

Article 12Special measures for regulations apply as prescribed respectively to the demonstration of new technology, etc. carried out by approved implementers to demonstrate new technology, etc. in accordance with approved plans to demonstrate new technology, etc. or new business activities carried out by approved implementers of new business activities in accordance with approved plans for new business activities, as prescribed by Cabinet Order for the regulations prescribed by Cabinet Order, and as prescribed by order of the competent ministry for the regulations prescribed by order of the competent ministry.

Article 13Based on the report stated in Article 144, paragraph (1), the competent minister (limited to the minister that has jurisdiction over Acts and orders based on Acts related to new special measures for regulations concerning the request under Article 6, paragraph (1)) is to review the special measures for regulations regarding that report or otherwise take necessary measures if they find it necessary to do so.

Article 14The competent minister (limited to the minister that has jurisdiction over Acts, and orders based on Acts related to new special measures for regulations concerning a request made under Article 6, paragraph (1) or related to a request made under Article 7, paragraph (1), or the Acts and orders based on Acts prescribed in Article 8-2, paragraph (3), item (vi)) is to discuss ideal regulations based on provisions of Acts, and those of orders based on Acts that provide for regulations on new technology, etc. or new business activities, etc., taking into consideration the state of the development and application of special measures for regulations, the state of regulations in foreign countries, the advancement of technology, and other factors, and are to take legal or other measures necessary for the removal or relaxation of regulations, based on the results of that discussion.

Article 14-2The New Technology Effects Evaluation Committee (referred to below as the "committee" in this Section) is established in the Cabinet Office to carry out the following:

Article 14-3(1)The committee is to process matters that have been placed under its authority pursuant to the provisions of this Act.

(2)The committee may make necessary recommendations to the competent minister through the Prime Minister, concerning the matters placed under its authority pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph.

(3)When the committee has made recommendations under the preceding paragraph, it must publicize the details of the recommendations without delay.

(4)The competent minister must notify the committee of the measures taken, based on the recommendations under paragraph (2).

Article 14-4Members of the committee are appointed by the Prime Minister from among persons with distinguished insight into the trends of social and economic circumstances and business activities conducted by using new technology, etc. in and outside Japan.

Article 14-5The committee may request the competent minister or a person that has submitted a plan to demonstrate new technology, etc. or a plan for new business activities to submit reports or materials, within the limit necessary for performance of the affairs under its jurisdiction.

Article 14-6In addition to what is provided for in this Act, necessary matters concerning the committee are prescribed by Cabinet Order.

Article 21-13(1)The Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Minister of Finance are to establish guidelines concerning the implementation of business adaptation (referred to below as the "implementation guidelines" in this Section) (for the Minister of Finance, limited to the matters stated in item (i), (c), item (ii), (c), and item (iii), (c) of the following paragraph; the same applies below in this Article).

(2)The implementation guidelines are to specify the following matters:

(3)The Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Minister of Finance are to make changes to the implementation guidelines when necessary due to fluctuations in the state of the economy.

(4)If the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Minister of Finance intend to establish or make changes to the implementation guidelines, they are to consult with the head of the relevant administrative organ in advance.

(5)If the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Minister of Finance have established or made changes to the implementation guidelines, they are to publicize the guidelines without delay.

Article 21-14(1)Based on implementation guidelines, the competent minister may designate a business field from those under the minister's jurisdiction, for which the minister finds it appropriate to achieve business adaptation that corresponds to the characteristics of that business field, and establish guidelines for the implementation of business adaptation regarding the business field concerned (referred to below as "business field-specific implementation guidelines" in this Article and paragraph (4), item (i) of the following Article).

(2)The business field-specific implementation guidelines are to specify necessary matters concerning the method of implementation of business adaptation regarding the business field designated pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph.

(3)The competent minister is to make changes to the business field-specific implementation guidelines when necessary due to fluctuations in the state of the economy.

(4)If the competent minister intends to establish the business field-specific implementation guidelines or make changes to them, the minister is to consult with the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry and the head of the relevant administrative organ in advance.

(5)If the competent minister has established the business field-specific implementation guidelines or has made changes to them, the minister is to publicize to the effect without delay.

Article 21-15(1)A business entity may prepare a plan for business adaptation that it intends to conduct (including business adaptation that a corporation established by the business entity intends to start; the same applies below) (the relevant plan is referred to below as a "business adaptation plan"), and submit it to the competent minister to receive its approval , pursuant to the provisions of order of the competent ministry.

(2)If two or more business entities intend to jointly conduct business adaptation, those two or more business entities may jointly prepare a business adaptation plan to receive the approval referred to in the preceding paragraph.

(3)A business adaptation plan must contain the following matters:

(4)If the competent minister has received an application for approval as stated in paragraph (1) and finds that the business adaptation plan conforms to all of the following items, the minister is to approve the plan:

(5)If the competent minister has granted approval as stated in paragraph (1), the minister is to publicize the details of the business adaptation plan regarding that approval, pursuant to the provisions of order of the competent ministry.

Article 21-16(1)If a person that has obtained approval as stated in paragraph (1) of the preceding Article (including a corporation established in accordance with the business adaptation plan regarding that approval; referred to below as an "approved business entity for business adaptation") intends to make changes to the business adaptation plan regarding that approval, the person must receive the approval of the competent minister, pursuant to the provisions of order of the competent ministry.

(2)The competent minister may rescind an approval if the minister finds that the approved business entity for business adaptation is not taking measures for business adaptation in accordance with the business adaptation plan regarding the approval (if a change has been approved under the preceding paragraph, the plan after the changes; referred to below as the "approved business adaptation plan"), the minister may rescind the approval.

(3)If the competent minister finds that an approved business adaptation plan no longer conforms to any of the items of paragraph (4) of the preceding Article, the minister may direct the approved business entity for business adaptation to make changes to the relevant plan, or rescind the approval.

(4)If the competent minister has rescinded the approval under the preceding two paragraphs, the minister is to publicize to that effect.

(5)The provisions of paragraphs (5) and (6) of the preceding Article apply mutatis mutandis to the approval stated in paragraph (1).

Article 21-17(1)Notwithstanding the provisions of Articles 1 and 11 of the Japan Finance Corporation Act apply (Act No. 57 of 2007; referred to as the "Japan Finance Corporation Act" in the following paragraph and Article 35), the JFC may undertake the following duties (referred to below as "duties to facilitate business adaptation promotion"):

(2)If duties to facilitate business adaptation promotion are undertaken, those operations are deemed to be duties to facilitate specified business promotion as prescribed in Article 6 of the Act on the Promotion of Business Developing and Manufacturing Energy-Environment Friendly Products (Act No. 38 of 2010); and the phrases stated in the middle column of the table of Article 17 of that Act, used in the provisions of the Japan Finance Corporation Act, stated in the left-hand column of the that table (excluding the phrases stated in the middle column of the following table that are used in the provisions of the Japan Finance Corporation Act stated in the left-hand column of that table) are deemed to be replaced with the phrases stated in the right-hand column of the table in the Article, and the phrases stated in the middle column of the following table which are used in the provisions of the Japan Finance Corporation Act, stated in the left-hand column of that table, are deemed to be replaced with the phrases stated in the right-hand column of the table. In this case, Cabinet Order prescribes any necessary technical replacement of terms.

Article 21-18(1)In accordance with the implementation guidelines (limited to the matters stated in Article 21-13, paragraph (2), item (i), (c), item (ii), (c), and item (iii), (c); the same applies in paragraph (1), item (ii) and paragraph (2) of the following Article), the JFC must specify the methods and conditions for duties to facilitate business adaptation promotion and other policies for implementing those operations (referred to below as "policies for implementing duties for facilitating business adaptation promotion" in this Article and paragraph (1), item (ii) and paragraph (2) of the following Article), pursuant to the provisions of order of the competent ministry.

(2)If the JFC intends to specify policies for implementing duties to facilitate business adaptation promotion, it must obtain the authorization of the competent minister. This also applies if the JFC intends to make changes to those policies.

(3)If the JFC has obtained the authorization of the competent minister referred to in the preceding paragraph, it must publicize the policies for implementing duties to facilitate business adaptation promotion without delay.

(4)The JFC must undertake duties to facilitate business adaptation promotion in accordance with the policies for implementing duties to facilitate business adaptation promotion.

Article 21-19(1)Pursuant to the provisions of order of the competent ministry, the competent minister may designate a person that is found to conform to all of the following items as a designated financial institution, offering loans for funds necessary regarding duties for approved business adaptation-related measures, taken by an approved business entity for business adaptation, which are undertaken by way of borrowing funds necessary for offering those loans from the JFC or receiving provision of interest subsidies (referred to below as "duties to promote business adaptation").

(2)A person intending to receive designation under the preceding paragraph must specify the rules concerning policies for implementing duties to facilitate business adaptation promotion (referred to as the "operational rules" in the following paragraph and Article 21-21), in line with the implementation guidelines, and the policies for undertaking duties to facilitate business adaptation promotion, in accordance with the procedures specified by order of the competent ministry, and submit them to the competent minister together with a written application.

(3)The operational rules must specify matters concerning the implementation framework and methods for duties to promote business adaptation and other matters specified by order of the competent ministry.

(4)Those falling under any of the following items may not receive designation under paragraph (1):

Article 21-20(1)If the competent minister has made a designation under paragraph (1) of the preceding Article, the minister is to issue a public notice concerning the trade name or name, and the address of the designated financial institution, as well as the location of its business office or office where it implements duties to promote business adaptation.

(2)If a designated financial institution intends to change its trade name or name, its address, or the location of its business office or office where it implements duties to promote business adaptation, it must notify the competent minister to that effect in advance.

(3)If the competent minister has received a notification under the preceding paragraph, the minister is to issue a public notice to that effect.

Article 21-21(1)If a designated financial institution intends to change its operational rules, it must obtain the authorization of the competent minister.

(2)The competent minister may order the institution to change its operational rules if the minister finds that the operational rules of a designated financial institution are no longer appropriate for the proper and reliable implementation of duties to promote business adaptation, the minister.

Article 21-22(1)The JFC is to conclude an agreement containing the following matters with a designated financial institution, regarding duties to facilitate business adaptation promotion, and undertake the duties in accordance with the agreement:

(2)If the JFC intends to conclude an agreement as referred to in the preceding paragraph, it must obtain the authorization of the competent minister. This also applies if the JFC intends to make changes to the agreement.

Article 21-23A designated financial institution must keep books regarding duties to promote business adaptation, record the matters specified by order of the competent ministry, and preserve them, pursuant to the provisions of order of the competent ministry.

Article 21-24The competent minister may issue an order necessary for supervision regarding duties to promote business adaptation to a designated financial institution if the minister finds it necessary to do so for the enforcement of this Act.

Article 21-25(1)If a designated financial institution intends to suspend or discontinue all or part of its duties to promote business adaptation, it must notify the competent minister to that effect in advance, pursuant to the provisions of order of the competent ministry.

(2)If the competent minister has received a notification under the preceding paragraph, the minister is to issue a public notice to that effect.

(3)If a designated financial institution has discontinued all of the duties to promote business adaptation, the designation of that designated financial institution ceases to be effective.

Article 21-26(1)If a designated financial institution has come to fall under any of the items (excluding item (ii)) of Article 21-19, paragraph (4), the competent minister is to rescind the designation of that institution.

(2)If a designated financial institution falls under any of the following items, the competent minister may rescind the designation of that institution:

(3)If the competent minister has rescinded a designation pursuant to the provisions of the preceding two paragraphs, the minister is to issue a public notice to that effect.

Article 21-27If designation as a designated financial institution has ceased to be effective pursuant to the provisions of Article 21-25, paragraph (3) or has been rescinded pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) or paragraph (2) of the preceding Article, a person that was the designated financial institution or its general successor is deemed to be the designated financial institution to the extent of completing transactions based on the agreement on the designated financial institution's duties to promote business adaptation undertaken.

Article 21-28(1)Pursuant to the provisions of the Act on Special Measures Concerning Taxation (Act No. 26 of 1957), special measures are to be taken regarding the carryover of losses relating to corporation tax, if losses arise in an approved business entity for business adaptation that undertakes business adaptation for achieving growth (limited to a business confirmed by the competent minister to conform to the standards specified by the competent minister as being implemented in response to significant changes in economic and social circumstances), in accordance with an approved business adaptation plan.

(2)Pursuant to the provisions of the Act on Special Measures Concerning Taxation, special provisions on taxation are to apply to machinery, devices, tools, fixtures, and software an approved business entity that undertakes information technology business adaptation (limited to the business adaptation confirmed by the competent minister to be in conformity with the standards specified by the competent minister as particularly contributing to the improvements in productivity or creation of demand) implemented in accordance with an approved business adaptation plan has acquired or manufactured for the information technology adaptation, or software used for implementing the information technology business adaptation.

Article 22(1)The Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Minister of Finance are to establish the guidelines for the implementation of corporate restructuring (referred to below as the "implementation guidelines" in this Section) (for the Minister of Finance, limited to the matters stated in item (iii) of the following paragraph; the same applies below in this Article).

(2)The implementation guidelines are to specify the following matters:

(3)The Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Minister of Finance are to make changes to the implementation guidelines when necessary due to fluctuations in the state of the economy.

(4)If the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Minister of Finance intend to establish or make changes to the implementation guidelines, they are to consult with the head of the relevant administrative organ in advance.

(5)If the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Minister of Finance have established or made changes to the implementation guidelines, they are to publicize the guidelines without delay.

Article 23(1)A business entity may prepare a plan for corporate restructuring that it intends to implement (including corporate restructuring that a corporation established by the business entity intends to implement; the relevant plan is referred to below as a "corporate restructuring plan"), and submit the plan to the competent minister to receive its approval , pursuant to the provisions of order of the competent ministry.

(2)If two or more business entities intend to coordinate in starting measures for corporate restructuring, those two or more business entities may coordinate in preparing a corporate restructuring plan to receive the approval referred to in the preceding paragraph.

(3)A corporate restructuring plan must contain the following matters:

(4)A corporate restructuring plan may contain plans for the measures to be taken by a related business entity and a foreign affiliated corporation for corporate restructuring by the business entity.

(5)If the competent minister has received an application for approval as stated in paragraph (1) and finds that the corporate restructuring plan conforms to all of the following items, the minister is to approve the plan:

(6)If the competent minister has granted approval as stated in paragraph (1), the minister is to publicize the details of the corporate restructuring plan regarding that approval, pursuant to the provisions of order of the competent ministry.

Article 24(1)If a person that has obtained approval as stated in paragraph (1) of the preceding Article (including a corporation established in accordance with the corporate restructuring plan regarding that approval; the relevant person is referred to below as an "approved business entity for corporate restructuring") intends to make changes to the corporate restructuring plan regarding that approval, the person must seek the approval of the competent minister pursuant to the provisions of order of the competent ministry.

(2)The competent minister may rescind an approval if the minister finds that an approved business entity for corporate restructuring, or its related business entity or foreign affiliated corporation is not taking measures for corporate restructuring in accordance with the corporate restructuring plan regarding the approval (the plan after changes under the preceding paragraph if approval has been granted for those changes; referred to below as an "approved corporate restructuring plan").

(3)If the competent minister finds that an approved corporate restructuring plan no longer conforms to any of the items of paragraph (5) of the preceding Article, the minister may direct the approved business entity for corporate restructuring to make changes to the relevant plan or rescind the approval.

(4)If the competent minister has rescinded the approval under the preceding two paragraphs, the minister is to publicize to that effect.

(5)The provisions of paragraph (5) and paragraph (6) of the preceding Article apply mutatis mutandis to the approval stated in paragraph (1).

Article 25(1)If the competent minister intends to grant approval as stated in Article 23, paragraph (1) (including the approval of changes stated in paragraph (1) of the preceding Article; the same applies in paragraph (3)) regarding a corporate restructuring plan and the measures for corporate restructuring to be implemented in accordance with the corporate restructuring plan (referred to below as "corporate restructuring-related measures" in this paragraph) fall under the cases specified by Cabinet Order as cases in which fair competition might not be ensured within the field in which the business entity filing the application engages in their own business, the competent minister is to forward a copy of the application form regarding the approval to the Japan Fair Trade Commission and consult with the Japan Fair Trade Commission in advance. In such a case, the competent minister is to present the opinion regarding matters concerning the effect that will be exerted by the corporate restructuring-related measures on competition within the field in which the business entity filing the application engage in its own business, as well as other necessary matters, and is to indicate the situation in domestic and foreign markets within that field, the level of improvement in productivity through taking the corporate restructuring-related measures, and any other supporting grounds for that opinion.

(2)Upon having a consultation as referred to in the preceding paragraph, the competent minister and the Japan Fair Trade Commission are to keep in close contact with each other so as to carry out necessary procedures promptly and appropriately, in consideration of the necessity of strengthening industrial competitiveness.

(3)Regarding acts taken in accordance with a corporate restructuring plan for which a copy of the application form has been forwarded under paragraph (1) and to which the competent minister has granted approval as stated in Article 23, paragraph (1), the competent minister and the Japan Fair Trade Commission are to maintain close contact with each other so as to not hinder fair competitive relations among business entities, as well or unfairly harm the interests of general consumers and related business entities, due to fluctuations in the state of the economy after the approval.

Article 26(1)If a business entity establishes a new stock company through the contribution or transfer of all or part of its assets in accordance with an approved corporate restructuring plan, to establish a new stock company for the purpose of the application of the provisions of Article 33, paragraph (10), item (i) of the Companies Act (Act No. 86 of 2005) regarding the incorporators of the newly established stock company, the phrase "does not exceed" in the item is replaced with "does not exceed, and in the cases prescribed in Article 26, paragraph (1) of the Act on Strengthening Industrial Competitiveness (Act No. 98 of 2013)".

(2)In applying the provisions of Article 47, paragraph (2) of the Commercial Registration Act (Act No. 125 of 1963) to the cases referred to in that preceding paragraph, the phrase "the following documents" in the paragraph is deemed to be replaced with "the following documents (excluding the documents stated in item (iv)) and a document certifying that the contribution or transfer of assets was in accordance with the approved corporate restructuring plan prescribed in Article 24, paragraph (2) of the Act on Strengthening Industrial Competitiveness (Act No. 98 of 2013)".

Article 27(1)If a business entity contributes all or part of its assets to another stock company in accordance with an approved corporate restructuring plan (including cases in which share options are exercised), the provisions of Article 207, paragraph (1) through paragraph (8), and Article 284, paragraph (1) through paragraph (8) of the Companies Act do not apply to that other stock company.

(2)In applying the provisions of Article 56 and Article 57 of the Commercial Registration Act to the cases referred to in the preceding paragraph, the phrase "the following documents" in these provisions is deemed to be replaced with "the following documents (excluding the documents stated in item (iii), (a) and item (iv)) and a document certifying that the contribution of assets was in accordance with the approved plan prescribed in Article 24, paragraph (2) of the Act on Strengthening Industrial Competitiveness (Act No. 98 of 2013)".

Article 28(1)In applying the provisions of Article 468, paragraph (1), Article 469, paragraph (2), item (ii) and paragraph (3), Article 784, paragraph (1), Article 785, paragraph (2), item (ii) and paragraph (3), Article 796, paragraph (1), and Article 797, paragraph (2), item (ii) and paragraph (3) of the Companies Act regarding a stock company that is a specified related business entity of an approved business entity for corporate restructuring (meaning a related business entity in which two-thirds or more of the voting rights of all shareholders are held by the approved business entity for corporate restructuring, and a stock company in cases in which all of its issued shares are held by the approved business entity for corporate restructuring, as well as another approved business entity for corporate restructuring regarding an approved corporate restructuring plan, and a stock company in which all of its issued shares are held by the other relevant approved business entity for corporate restructuring; the same applies below in this Article) and which performs any of the following acts (for acts stated in item (iv) through item (vii), limited to an act performed in cooperation with another stock company) in accordance with an approved corporate restructuring plan, the phrase "special controlling company (when nine tenths (9/10) (or, when any proportion higher than that is provided for in the articles of incorporation, the proportion) or more of the voting rights of all shareholders of a stock company are held by another company, and by stock companies in cases in which all of its issued shares are held by the relevant other company, and other corporations prescribed by the Ministry of Justice Order as entities equivalent to the above, referring to the relevant other company; the same applies below)" in Article 468, paragraph (1) of the Act is deemed to be replaced with "specified special controlling company (when a stock company is a specified related business entity (meaning the specified related business entity prescribed in Article 28, paragraph (1) of the Act on Strengthening Industrial Competitiveness (Act No. 98 of 2013); the same applies below in this Article) in an approved corporate restructuring plan as prescribed in Article 24, paragraph (2) of the Act, a specified special controlling company means an approved business entity for corporate restructuring prescribed in Article 24, paragraph (1) of the Act regarding the specified related business entity, another specified related business entity of the approved business entity for corporate restructuring, another approved business entity for corporate restructuring regarding the approved corporate restructuring plan, or a specified related business entity of the relevant other approved business entity for corporate restructuring; the same applies below)"; and the phrase "special controlling company" in Article 469, paragraph (2), item (ii) and paragraph (3), Article 784, paragraph (1), Article 785, paragraph (2), item (ii) and paragraph (3), Article 796, paragraph (1), and Article 797, paragraph (2), item (ii) and paragraph (3) of the Companies Act is deemed replaced with the term "specified special controlling company":

(2)If a specified related business entity of an approved business entity for corporate restructuring that is a stock company performs any of the following acts in accordance with an approved corporate restructuring plan, the provisions of Article 804, paragraph (1) of the Companies Act do not apply to the specified related business entity:

(3)In applying the provisions of Article 806, paragraph (3) and Article 808, paragraph (3) of the Companies Act to the cases referred to in the preceding paragraph, the phrase "the day of resolution at the shareholders meeting set forth in Article 804, paragraph (1)" in Article 806, paragraph (3) of the Act is deemed to be replaced with "the day of the resolution at the shareholders meeting stated in Article 804, paragraph (1) (in the cases prescribed in Article 28, paragraph (2) of the Act on Strengthening Industrial Competitiveness (Act No. 98 of 2013), the day of the conclusion of the consolidation-type merger agreement or the day of the preparation of the incorporation-type company split plan)"; and the phrase "and in the cases prescribed in Article 805, the day of the preparation of the incorporation-type company split plan" in Article 808, paragraph (3) of the Act is deemed to be replaced with "in the cases prescribed in Article 805, the day of the preparation of the incorporation-type company split plan, and in the cases prescribed in Article 28, paragraph (2) of the Act on Strengthening Industrial Competitiveness, the day of the conclusion of the consolidation-type merger agreement or the day of the preparation of the incorporation-type company split plan)".

(4)In applying the provisions of Article 80, Article 81, Article 85, Article 86, and Article 89 of the Commercial Registration Act to the cases stated in paragraph (1) and paragraph (2), the phrases stated in the middle column of the following table that are used in the provisions of the Act stated in the left-hand column of the table are deemed to be the phrases stated in the right-hand column of the table.

(5)If an approved business entity for corporate restructuring demands that all shareholders of its specified related business entity that is a stock company sell back all of the shares of the specified related business entity that they hold, in accordance with an approved corporate restructuring plan, (excluding cases in which a specified related business entity and an approved corporate business entity are implementing corporate restructuring (including cases where pursuant to the provisions of this paragraph a claim will not be made to a stock company, in which the approved corporate restructuring business entity holds all of its shares, or to another approved business entity for corporate restructuring relating to the approved corporate restructuring plan, or a stock company where issued shares of the other relevant approved business entity for corporate restructuring are held, and the relevant approved business entity for corporate restructuring has decided not to make a demand under this paragraph of any of the above points, pursuant to the provisions of the proviso to Article 179, paragraph (1) of the Companies Act as applied by replacing terms pursuant to the provisions of this paragraph)), and applying the provisions of Article 151, paragraph (2); Article 154, paragraph (3); Article 179; Article 179-2, paragraph (1), item (i), item (iv), (a), item (v), and paragraph (2); Article 179-3, paragraph (1), paragraph (2), and paragraph (4); Article 179-4, items of paragraph (1), and paragraph (3), and paragraph (4); Article 179-5, paragraph (1), item (i); Article 179-6, paragraph (1), paragraph (3), and paragraph (7); Article 179-7; Article 179-8, paragraph (2), and paragraph (3); Article 179-9; Article 179-10, paragraph (1); Article 219, paragraph (2), item (ii), and paragraph (4); Article 272, paragraph (4); Article 293, paragraph (2), item (i), and paragraph (4); Article 846-3; and Article 870, paragraph (2), item (v) of the Companies Act, the phrases stated in the middle column of the following table that are used in the provisions of the Act stated in the left-hand column of the table are deemed to be replaced with the phrases stated in the right-hand column of the table, and Cabinet Order prescribes any other necessary technical replacement of the phrases.

Article 29(1)In applying the provisions of Article 180, paragraph (2) of the Companies Act regarding share consolidation to cases in which an approved business entity for corporate restructuring or a stock company that is its related business entity has undertaken, at the same time as a reduction in the amount of stated capital, capital reserves or retained earnings reserves, in accordance with the approved corporate restructuring plan, and which falls under both of the following items, the phrase "a shareholders meeting" in the paragraph is deemed to be replaced with "a shareholders meeting (in the case of a company with a board of directors, a board of directors meeting applies)":

(2)In applying the provisions of Article 61 of the Commercial Registration Act to the cases referred to in the preceding paragraph, the phrase "documents listed in Article 59, paragraph (1), item (ii)" in the Article is deemed to be replaced with "documents stated in Article 59, paragraph (1), item (ii), and a document certifying that share consolidation was in accordance with the approved corporate restructuring plan prescribed in Article 24, paragraph (2) of the Act on Strengthening Industrial Competitiveness (Act No. 98 of 2013)".

Article 30(1)If a stock company that is an approved business entity for corporate restructuring acquires shares of another stock company (including shares, equity, or the equivalent in a foreign corporation; the same applies below in this paragraph) through transfer in accordance with an approved corporate restructuring plan (limited to cases in which the stock company intends to make that other stock company fall under the category of its own related business through the acquisition, if that other stock company's business does not fall under the category of its own related business, or if it intends to make the other stock company or foreign business entity an affiliated business entity of the other stock company; the same applies below in this paragraph), and it issues shares or disposes of treasury shares in exchange for the acquisition; or a stock company that is an approved business entity for corporate restructuring, issues shares or disposes of treasury shares to its subsidiary (meaning the subsidiary prescribed in Article 2, item (iii) of the Companies Act and limited to stock companies all of whose issued shares are held by the company and other corporations specified by order of the competent ministry as those equivalent to them; the same applies below in this paragraph) in accordance with an approved corporate restructuring plan, and the subsidiary acquires shares of another stock company by transfer in accordance with the approved corporate restructuring plan and issues shares (including securities stated in Article 2, paragraph (1), item (xx) of the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act (Act No. 25 of 1948) that indicate the rights regarding those shares and the rights to be indicated on the securities) of the stock company that is the approved business entity for corporate restructuring in exchange for the acquisition; in applying the provisions of Article 199, Article 201 (excluding paragraph (1) and paragraph (2)), Article 208, and Article 445 of the Companies Act regarding the relevant approved business entity for corporate restructuring, the phrases stated in the middle column of the following table that are used in the provisions of the Act stated in the left-hand column of the table are deemed to be replaced with the phrases stated in the right-hand column of the table, and any other necessary technical replacement of the phrases is specified by Cabinet Order.

(2)Pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the provisions of Article 135, paragraph (1), Article 200, Article 201, paragraph (1) and paragraph (2), Article 206-2, and Article 212 of the Companies Act do not apply concerning the issuance of shares or disposal of treasury shares undertaken by a stock company that is an approved business entity for corporate restructuring

(3)The provisions of Article 234, Article 309, paragraph (2), Article 796, paragraph (2) and paragraph (3), Article 797, Article 798, Article 868 through Article 876, and Article 940 of the Companies Act apply mutatis mutandis to the cases stated in paragraph (1). In this case, the phrases stated in the middle column of the following table that are used in the provisions of the Act stated in the left-hand column of the table are deemed to be replaced with the phrases stated in the right-hand column of the table, and Cabinet Order prescribes any other necessary technical replacement of these phrases.

(4)In applying the provisions of Article 56 of the Commercial Registration Act to the cases stated in paragraph (1), the phrase "the following documents" in the Article is deemed to be replaced with "the following documents (excluding the documents stated in item (iii), (a) and item (iv)), and a document certifying that the issuance of shares was in accordance with the plan for which the approval stated in Article 23, paragraph (1) of the Act on Strengthening Industrial Competitiveness (Act No. 98 of 2013) (including the approval of changes stated in Article 24, paragraph (1) of the Act) was obtained".

(5)The provisions of Article 155 (excluding paragraph (8)) of the Act on Book-Entry Transfer of Company Bonds and Shares apply mutatis mutandis to the cases stated in paragraph (1). In this case, the phrase "intends to perform any of the acts stated in the items of Article 116, paragraph (1) of the Companies Act, the share consolidation prescribed in Article 182-2, paragraph (1) of the Act, business transfer, etc. (meaning the business transfer, etc. prescribed in Article 468, paragraph (1) of the Act; the same applies in paragraph (4)), merger, conclusion of an absorption-type company split agreement, incorporation-type company split, conclusion of a share exchange agreement, share transfer, or share delivery" in paragraph (1) of the Article is deemed to be replaced with "intends to undertake the issuance of shares or disposal of treasury shares under Article 30, paragraph (1) of the Act on Strengthening Industrial Competitiveness"; the phrase "the day when any of the acts set forth in the items of Article 116, paragraph (1) of the Companies Act, consolidation of shares prescribed in Article 182-2, paragraph (1) of the Act, business transfer, etc., absorption-type merger, absorption-type company split, or a share exchange becomes effective or the day of the establishment of a company through a consolidation-type merger, incorporation-type company split, share transfer, or share delivery" in paragraph (4) of the Article is deemed to be replaced with "the date stated in Article 199, paragraph (1), item (iv) of the Companies Act as applied by replacing terms pursuant to the provisions of Article 30, paragraph (1) of the Act on Strengthening Industrial Competitiveness, following the deemed replacement of the terms or the first day of the period stated in the item"; and Cabinet Order prescribes any other necessary technical replacement of the phrases.

Article 31(1)In applying the provisions of Article 309, paragraph (2), Article 459, paragraph (1), Article 460, paragraph (1), and Article 465, paragraph (1) of the Companies Act in cases in which a stock company that is an approved business entity for corporate restructuring distributes specified dividends of surplus (meaning dividends of surplus using, as dividend property, shares of a related business entity of the approved business entity for corporate restructuring or shares, equity, or the equivalent in a foreign affiliated corporation; the same applies in the following paragraph) in accordance with an approved corporate restructuring plan, the phrases stated in the middle column of the following table that are used in the provisions of the Act set forth in the left-hand column of the table are deemed to be replaced with the phrases set forth in the right-hand column of the table, and Cabinet Order prescribes any other necessary technical replacement of the phrases.

(2)In the cases referred to in the preceding paragraph, the articles of incorporation of a stock company that is an approved business entity for corporate restructuring (limited to a stock company that has provisions concerning the articles of incorporation under Article 459, paragraph (1) of the Companies Act) are to be deemed to have provisions indicating that the board of directors may decide the matters stated in the items of Article 454, paragraph (1) of the Act and the items of paragraph (4) of the Article regarding specified surplus dividends.

Article 32(1)If a resolution at the shareholders meeting or the board of directors or a decision by executive officers has been made regarding the transfer of all or part of business to be undertaken in accordance with an approved corporate restructuring plan, a business entity which is a stock company (simply referred to below as a "company" in this paragraph and paragraph (4)) may notify each of its specified creditors within two weeks from the date of the resolution or decision (meaning, from among persons holding claims against the company, those that will hold claims against persons taking over all or part of the business and will not hold the claims against the company as a result of the transfer of all or part of the business; the same applies below in this Article), explaining the outline of the transfer of all or part of the business, and may require them to state within a fixed period of time if they have any objections to all or part of the business .

(2)The period referred to in the preceding paragraph must not be less than one month.

(3)If a specified creditor that has received the notice prescribed in paragraph (1) has not raised an objection within the period stated in the paragraph, the specified creditor is deemed to have approved the transfer of all or part of the business.

(4)If a specified creditor has raised an objection within the period stated in paragraph (1), the company must make a payment, or provide reasonable security or entrust appropriate assets to a trust company or financial institution engaged in a trust business with the aim of having the specified creditor receive repayment; provided, however, that this does not apply to cases in which there is no risk of damage to the specified creditor even if the transfer of all of part of the business takes place.

Article 33(1)A partner of a limited investment partnership may pledge under the terms of a partnership agreement to operate a coordinated business to acquire and hold shares, share options or designated securities issued by, or equity in, a foreign corporation, or their equivalent in a foreign corporation, which are related to a foreign affiliated corporation (limited to a foreign affiliated corporation, in cases in which a plan concerning measures to be taken by the foreign affiliated corporation is included in the approved corporate restructuring plan), for facilitating corporate restructuring, in addition to the business activities stated in the items of Article 3, paragraph (1) of the Act.

(2)In applying the provisions of Article 7, paragraph (4) of the Limited Partnership Act for Investment regarding partners of a limited investment partnership who have pledged to operate the business prescribed in the preceding paragraph, the phrase "acts other than the business activities listed in Article 3, paragraph (1)" in Article 7, paragraph (4) of the Act is deemed to be replaced with "acts other than the business activities stated in Article 3, paragraph (1) or the business activities prescribed in Article 33, paragraph (1) of the Act on Strengthening Industrial Competitiveness (Act No. 98 of 2013)"; and the phrase "a business other than those stated in the paragraph" in Article 7, paragraph (4) of the Limited Partnership Act for Investment is deemed to be replaced with "acts other than the business activities stated in Article 3, paragraph (1) or the business activities prescribed in Article 33, paragraph (1) of the Act".

Article 34In order to facilitate corporate restructuring, the Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation is to undertake duties to guarantee bonds (excluding the short term bonds prescribed in Article 66, item (i) of the Act on Book-Entry Transfer of Corporate Bonds and Shares; the same applies in Article 101, paragraph (1), item (vi)) issued by an approved business entity for corporate restructuring or its related business entity (referred to below as an "approved business entity for corporate restructuring, etc.") to procure funds necessary for taking measures for corporate restructuring in accordance with an approved corporate restructuring plan, and to guarantee debt obligations regarding the borrowing of the funds.

Article 35(1)Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 1 and Article 11 of the Japan Finance Corporation Act, the JFC may provide duties to a designated financial institution with the funds necessary to offer loans for funds that an approved business entity for corporate restructuring, etc. needs for conducting a merger, dismantling facilities held or disposing of equipment held, or installing equipment for improving productivity, etc. or taking other measures as specified by Cabinet Order, out of measures for corporate restructuring taken in accordance with an approved corporate restructuring plan (those measures are referred to as "approved corporate restructuring-related measures" in Article 37, paragraph (1)), and duties incidental to them (referred to below as "duties to facilitate corporate restructuring promotion").

(2)If duties to facilitate corporate restructuring promotion are undertaken, those operations are deemed to be duties to facilitate specified business promotion as prescribed in Article 6 of the Act on the Promotion of Business Developing and Manufacturing Energy-Environment Friendly Products; and the phrases stated in the middle column of the table of Article 17 of the Act that are used in the provisions of the Japan Finance Corporation Act stated in the left-hand column of the table (excluding the phrases stated in the middle column of the following table that are used in the provisions of the Japan Finance Corporation Act, stated in the left-hand column of the table) are deemed to be replaced with the phrases stated in the right-hand column of the table of the Article, and the phrases stated in the middle column of the following table that are used in the provisions of the Japan Finance Corporation Act stated in the left-hand column of the table are deemed to be replaced with the phrases stated in the right-hand column of the table. In this case, Cabinet Order prescribes any necessary technical replacement of the phrases.

Article 36(1)Pursuant to the provisions of order of the competent ministry, in line with the implementation guidelines (limited to the matters stated in Article 22, paragraph (2), item (iii); the applies in paragraph (1), item (ii) and paragraph (2) of the following Article), the JFC must specify the methods and conditions for duties to facilitate corporate restructuring promotion, and other policies for implementing those operations (referred to below as "policies for implementing duties to facilitate corporate restructuring promotion"), as prescribed by order of the competent ministry.

(2)If the JFC intends to specify policies for implementing duties to facilitate corporate restructuring promotion, it must obtain the authorization of the competent minister. This also applies if the JFC intends to make changes to those policies.

(3)When the JFC has obtained the authorization of the competent minister referred to in the preceding paragraph, it must publicize its policies for implementing duties to facilitate corporate restructuring promotion without delay.

(4)The JFC must undertake duties to facilitate corporate restructuring promotion in accordance with its policies for undertaking duties to facilitate corporate restructuring promotion.

Article 37(1)Pursuant to the provisions of Order of the competent ministry, the competent minister may designate those that are found to conform to all of the following items as designated financial institutions, upon application, regarding duties to offer loans for funds necessary for approved corporate restructuring-related measures taken by an approved business implementing corporate restructuring, etc. in accordance with an approved corporate restructuring plan, which are to be undertaken by borrowing funds necessary for offering those loans from the JFC (referred to below as "duties to promote corporate restructuring"):order of the competent ministry

(2)A person intending to receive designation under the preceding paragraph (simply referred to below as "designation" in this Section) must specify the rules concerning duties to promote corporate restructuring promotion (referred to as the "operational rules" in the following paragraph and Article 39), in line with the implementation guidelines, and the policies for implementing duties to facilitate corporate restructuring promotion in accordance with the procedures specified by order of the competent ministry, and submit them together with a written application to the competent minister.

(3)The operational rules must specify matters concerning the implementation framework and methods for implementing duties to promote corporate restructuring and other matters specified by order of the competent ministry.

(4)Any person falling under any of the following items may not receive designation:

Article 38(1)If the competent minister has made a designation, the minister is to issue a public notice concerning the trade name or name, the address of the designated financial institution, as well as its business office or office location where it undertakes duties to promote corporate restructuring.

(2)If a designated financial institution intends to change its trade name or name, its address, or its business office or office location where it undertakes duties to promote corporate restructuring, it must notify the competent minister to that effect in advance.

(3)If the competent minister has received a notification under the preceding paragraph, the minister is to issue a public notice to that effect.

Article 39(1)If a designated financial institution intends to change its operational rules, it must obtain the authorization of the competent minister.

(2)If the competent minister finds that the operational rules of a designated financial institution are no longer appropriate for the proper and reliable implementation of duties to promote corporate restructuring, the minister may order the institution to change its operational rules.

Article 40(1)The JFC is to conclude an agreement containing the following matters with a designated financial institution, regarding duties to facilitate corporate restructuring promotion, and undertake its duties in accordance with the agreement:

(2)If the JFC intends to conclude an agreement under the preceding paragraph, it must obtain the authorization of the competent minister. This also applies if the JFC intends to make changes to the agreement.

Article 41A designated financial institution must keep books, record the particulars specified by order of the competent ministry, and preserve them regarding duties to promote corporate restructuring, pursuant to the provisions of order of the competent ministry.

Article 42The competent minister may issue to a designated financial institution an order necessary for supervision regarding its duties to promote corporate restructuring if the competent minister finds it necessary to do so for the enforcement of this Act.

Article 43(1)If a designated financial institution intends to suspend or discontinue all or part of the duties to promote corporate restructuring, it must notify the competent minister to that effect in advance, pursuant to the provisions of order of the competent ministry.

(2)If the competent minister has received a notification under the preceding paragraph, the minister is to issue a public notice to that effect.

(3)If a designated financial institution has discontinued all of its duties to promote corporate restructuring, its designation as a designated financial institution ceases to be effective.

Article 44(1)If a designated financial institution has come to fall under any of the items (excluding item (ii)) of Article 37, paragraph (4), the competent minister is to rescind its designation.

(2)If a designated financial institution falls under any of the following items, the competent minister may rescind its designation:

(3)If the competent minister has rescinded a designation pursuant to the provisions of the preceding two paragraphs, the minister is to issue a public notice to that effect.

Article 45If a designation as a designated financial institution has ceased to be effective pursuant to the provisions of Article 45, paragraph (3) or has been rescinded pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) or paragraph (2) of the preceding Article, a person that has been the designated financial institution or its general successor is deemed to be the designated financial institution within the context of its purpose of completing transactions, based on a contract for duties to promote corporate restructuring conducted by the designated financial institution.

Article 46The government is to conduct the following investigations and publicize the results if it finds it necessary to do so for facilitating corporate restructuring by a business entity:

Article 47(1)Pursuant to the provisions of Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, certified dispute resolution business entities that have specified the scope of disputes stated in Article 6, item (i) of the Act on Promotion of Use of Alternative Dispute Resolution as including disputes regarding corporate rehabilitation, may receive the approval of the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry regarding the fact that they conform to both of the following items,:

(2)The Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry is to grant approval as stated in the preceding paragraph if the minister finds that the certified dispute resolution business entity in relation to the application for approval referred to in the preceding paragraph conforms to both of the items of the paragraph.

(3)The Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry may rescind an approval if the minister finds that a certified dispute resolution business entity that has obtained approval as stated in paragraph (1) no longer conforms to either of the items of the paragraph, or finds that confirmation regarding the reduction of the amount of bonds to be redeemed stated in Article 54, paragraph (1), confirmation regarding the borrowing of the funds stated in Article 56, paragraph (1), or confirmation regarding the claims specified in Article 59, paragraph (1) is not being made properly.

Article 48If a business entity has filed an application for conciliation regarding the arrangement of specified debts, etc. (meaning the arrangement of specified debts, etc. prescribed in Article 2, paragraph (2) of the Act on Special Conciliation for Expediting Arrangement of Specified Debts, etc. (Act No. 158 of 1999)) (this is limited to cases in which a request as stated in Article 3, paragraph (2) of the Act was made at the time of the application for conciliation), and specified certified dispute resolution procedures were undertaken regarding the subject incident of the application before that application, the court is to make a judgment as to whether it is appropriate for the conciliation to be undertaken only by a judge alone, considering that the specified dispute resolution procedures were undertaken pursuant to the provisions of the proviso to Article 5, paragraph (1) of the Civil Mediation Act (Act No. 222 of 1951).

Article 49If a petition to commence rehabilitation proceedings has been filed, and specified certified dispute resolution procedures have been implemented regarding the subject dispute of the petition before that petition, the court (meaning a judge or panel of judges in charge of the rehabilitation case; the same applies in Article 57, Articles 60 through 62, and Article 65-4), in the case of making the disposition referred to in Article 54, paragraph (1) of the Civil Rehabilitation Act (Act No. 225 of 1999) is to appoint a supervisor under paragraph (2) of the Article, after considering that a dispute resolution provider was implementing a settlement through the specified certified dispute resolution procedures.

Article 50If a petition to commence reorganization proceedings has been filed, and specified certified dispute resolution procedures were implemented regarding the subject dispute of the petition before that petition, the court (meaning a judge or panel of judges handling the reorganization case; the same applies in Article 58 and Articles 63 through 65), when making the disposition referred to in Article 35, paragraph (1) of the Corporate Reorganization Act (Act No. 154 of 2002) is to appoint a supervisor under paragraph (2) of the Article after considering that a dispute resolution provider was arranging settlement through the specified certified dispute resolution procedures.

Article 51Regarding corporate rehabilitation involving the persons referred to in the following items, the Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation guarantees debts regarding the borrowing of funds that are indispensable for a business entity intending to undertake corporate rehabilitation, within the period specified in each respective item (or, until an application for the starting of bankruptcy proceedings, the starting of rehabilitation proceedings, reorganization proceedings, or special liquidation is filed within that period; the period until filing is referred to as the "corporate rehabilitation preparation period" in paragraph (1) of the following Article):

Article 52(1)In applying the provisions of the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Credit Insurance Act (Act No. 264 of 1950) as stated in the left-hand column of the following table regarding the insurance relationships of ordinary insurance prescribed in Article 3, paragraph (1) of the Act (referred to below as "ordinary insurance"), unsecured insurance prescribed in Article 3-2, paragraph (1) of the Act (referred to below as "unsecured insurance"), or special petty insurance prescribed in Article 3-3, paragraph (1) of the Act (referred to below as "special petty insurance") that relates to a small or medium-sized enterprise or individual that has received a corporate rehabilitation facilitation-related guarantee (meaning a guarantee for debts as prescribed in Article 3, paragraph (1), Article 3-2, paragraph (1), or Article 3-3, paragraph (1) of the Act that are related to the borrowing of funds (limited to the borrowing of the funds within the corporate rehabilitation preparation period) necessary to cover the expenses for purchasing raw materials by a small or medium-sized enterprise or individual intending to implement corporate rehabilitation, or other expenses indispensable for the continuity of its business, as specified by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry; the same applies below in this Article), the phrases stated in the middle column of the table that are used in these provisions are deemed to be replaced with the phrases stated in the right-hand column of the table.

(2)In applying the provisions of Article 3, paragraph (2) and Article 5 of the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Credit Insurance Act regarding the insurance relationships of ordinary insurance that are related to a corporate rehabilitation facilitation-related guarantee, the phrase "70 percent" in Article 3, paragraph (2) of the Act and the phrase "70 percent (or 80 percent for unsecured insurance, special petty insurance, current assets insurance, pollution prevention insurance, energy conservation insurance, overseas investment-related insurance, new business development insurance, corporate rehabilitation insurance, and specific corporate bond insurance)" in Article 5 of the Act are deemed to be replaced with "80 percent".

(3)The amount of insurance premiums relating to the insurance relationships of ordinary insurance, unsecured insurance, or special petty insurance related to a corporate rehabilitation facilitation-related guarantee is the amount arrived at if the insurance amount is multiplied by a percentage specified by Cabinet Order within two percent per annum, notwithstanding the provisions of Article 4 of the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Credit Insurance Act.

Article 53(1)In applying the provisions of the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Credit Insurance Act, as stated in the left-hand column of the following table regarding the insurance relationships of ordinary insurance, unsecured insurance, or special petty insurance that are related to a small or medium-sized enterprise or individual which has received a corporate rehabilitation plan implementation-related guarantee (meaning a guarantee for debts as prescribed in Article 3, paragraph (1), Article 3-2, paragraph (1) or Article 3-3, paragraph (1) of the Act related to funds necessary for corporate rehabilitation, to be implemented in accordance with a plan for corporate rehabilitation stated in Article 51, item (ii) prepared through receiving guidance or advice from the Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation or approved support institutions (limited to a plan on which all of the creditors subject to the plan have reached an agreement) or a plan for corporate rehabilitation prepared pursuant to the provisions of Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry; the same applies below in this Article), the phrases stated in the middle column of the table that are used in these provisions are deemed to be replaced with the phrases stated in the right-hand column of the table.

(2)In applying the provisions of Article 3, paragraph (2) and Article 5 of the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Credit Insurance Act regarding the insurance relationships of ordinary insurance that are related to a corporate rehabilitation plan implementation-related guarantee, the phrase "70 percent" in Article 3, paragraph (2) of the Act and the phrase "70 percent (or 80 percent for unsecured insurance, special petty insurance, current assets insurance, pollution prevention insurance, energy conservation insurance, overseas investment-related insurance, new business development insurance, corporate rehabilitation insurance, and specific corporate bond insurance)" in Article 5 of the Act are deemed to be replaced with "80 percent".

(3)The amount of insurance premiums for insurance relationships of ordinary insurance, unsecured insurance, or special petty insurance that are related to a corporate rehabilitation plan implementation-related guarantee is the amount arrived at if the insurance amount is multiplied by a percentage as specified by Cabinet Order within two percent per annum, notwithstanding the provisions of Article 4 of the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Credit Insurance Act.

Article 54(1)A business entity intending to promote corporate rehabilitation through specified certified dispute resolution procedures may request the specified certified dispute resolution business entity undertaking the specified certified dispute resolution procedures to confirm that the reduction in the amount of bonds to be redeemed based on a resolution at a bondholders meeting conforms to the standards specified by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and Cabinet Office Order, as being indispensable for the corporate rehabilitation of the business.

(2)When having made the confirmation referred to in the preceding paragraph, the specified certified dispute resolution business entity is to immediately notify the business entity that sought confirmation to that effect.

Article 55(1)If an application has been filed for the approval prescribed in Article 732 of the Companies Act, regarding a resolution of a bondholders meeting stating the amount of bonds to be redeemed is to be reduced on which a specified certified dispute resolution business entity has confirmed pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) of the preceding Article, the court is to make a decision as to whether the resolution at the bondholders meeting falls under the cases stated in Article 733, item (iv) of the Act, after considering that it had been confirmed that the reduction is indispensable for the corporate rehabilitation of the relevant business.

(2)If an application has been filed for the approval prescribed in the preceding paragraph, the court may request the specified certified dispute resolution business entity to present its opinion.

Article 56(1)A business entity intending to promote corporate rehabilitation through specified certified dispute resolution procedures may request confirmation from the specified certified dispute resolution business entity undertaking the specified certified dispute resolution procedures that the borrowing of funds by the relevant business entity during a period from the start of the specified certified dispute resolution procedures up to their termination conforms to both of the following items:

(2)When having made the confirmation referred to in the preceding paragraph, the specified certified dispute resolution business entity is to immediately notify the business entity that requested the confirmation to that effect.

(3)The provisions of the preceding two paragraphs apply mutatis mutandis to a small or medium-sized enterprise or individual intending to implement corporate rehabilitation after receiving guidance or advice from the Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation or an approved support institution regarding the preparation of a plan for corporate rehabilitation. In this case, the phrase "the specified certified dispute resolution business entity undertaking the specified certified dispute resolution procedures" in paragraph (1) and the term "the specified certified dispute resolution business entity" in the preceding paragraph are deemed to be replaced with "the Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation or an approved support institution", the phrase "during the period from the commencement of the specified certified dispute resolution procedures up to their termination" in paragraph (1) is deemed to be replaced with "during the period specified in Article 51, item (ii)", and the phrase "that are parties to the dispute under the specified certified dispute resolution procedures" in item (ii) of the paragraph is deemed to be replaced with "relating to that corporate rehabilitation".

Article 57If a ruling has been made to commence rehabilitation proceedings regarding a business entity that has borrowed funds for which it obtained confirmation under paragraph (1) of the preceding Article, and a proposed rehabilitation plan (meaning the proposed rehabilitation plan stated in Article 163, paragraph (1) of the Civil Rehabilitation Act; the same applies in Article 62) that creates a difference in the details of changes to rights between rehabilitation claims regarding the borrowing of the funds for which it obtained the confirmation under paragraph (1) of the preceding Article and other rehabilitation claims (limited to rehabilitation claims that the creditors stated in item (ii) of the paragraph held at the time of giving the consent stated in the item) has been submitted or approved, the court is to make a decision as to whether the proposed rehabilitation plan falls under cases in which fairness will not be compromised, even if the difference is created among the rehabilitation creditors prescribed in the proviso to Article 155, paragraph (1) of the Act, when it has been confirmed that the borrowing of funds conforms to both of the items of paragraph (1) of the preceding Article.

Article 58If a ruling has been made to commence reorganization proceedings regarding a business that has borrowed funds that have been confirmed under Article 56, paragraph (1), and a proposed reorganization plan that creates a difference in details of changes to rights between reorganization claims, etc. (meaning the reorganization claims, etc. stated in Article 2, paragraph (12) of the Corporate Reorganization Act; the applies in Article 64 and Article 65) regarding the borrowing of the funds that have been confirmed under Article 56, paragraph (1) and other reorganization claims, etc. of the type (limited to reorganization claims, etc. that the creditors stated in Article 56, paragraph (1), item (ii) held at the time of giving the consent stated in the item) has been submitted or approved, the court is to make a decision as to whether the proposed reorganization plan falls under the cases in which fairness will not be compromised even if a difference is made among reorganization creditors, etc. (meaning the reorganization creditors, etc. stated in Article 2, paragraph (13) of the Act; the same applies in Article 65) that have the same type of rights prescribed in the proviso to Article 168, paragraph (1) of the Act.

Article 58-2The provisions of the preceding two Articles apply mutatis mutandis to the borrowing of funds confirmed that has been confirmed under Article 56, paragraph (1) as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to paragraph (3) of the Article. In this case, the phrase "the items of paragraph (1) of the preceding Article" in Article 57 is deemed to be replaced with "the items of Article 56, paragraph (1) as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to paragraph (3) of the Article", and the phrase "Article 56, paragraph (1), item (ii)" in the preceding Article is deemed to be replaced with "Article 56, paragraph (1), item (ii) as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to paragraph (3) of the Article".

Article 59(1)A business entity intending to promote corporate rehabilitation through specified certified dispute resolution procedures may request the specified certified dispute resolution business entity undertaking the specified certified dispute resolution procedures to confirm that the claims arising from any causes during a period up to the termination of the specified certified dispute resolution procedures conform to both of the following items:

(2)When having made the confirmation referred to in the preceding paragraph, the specified certified dispute resolution business entity is to immediately notify the business entity that requested the confirmation to that effect.

(3)The provisions of the preceding two paragraphs apply mutatis mutandis to a small or medium-sized enterprise or individual intending to implement corporate rehabilitation after receiving guidance or advice from the Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation, or an approved support institution regarding the preparation of a plan for corporate rehabilitation. In this case, the phrase "the specified certified dispute resolution business entity undertaking the specified certified dispute resolution procedures" in paragraph (1) and the term "the specified certified dispute resolution business entity" in the preceding paragraph are deemed to be replaced with "the Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation or an approved support institution", and the phrase "up to the termination of the specified certified dispute resolution procedures" in paragraph (1) is deemed to be replaced with "the termination of the period specified in Article 51, item (ii)".

Article 60If an application for the starting of rehabilitation proceedings is filed regarding a business entity that has incurred debts regarding the claims confirmed under paragraph (1) of the preceding Article (referred to as the "confirmed claims" from this Article through Article 65), and the court issues a provisional order under Article 30, paragraph (1) of the Civil Rehabilitation Act, and after taking in consideration that the confirmed claims have been found to conform to both of the items of paragraph (1) of the preceding Article, the court is to make a decision as to whether or not it should prohibit payment of the confirmed claims, using that provisional order.

Article 61If a ruling has been made on the starting of rehabilitation proceedings with respect to a business entity that has incurred debts regarding confirmed claims, and a petition has been filed for permission to pay those confirmed claims, pursuant to the provisions of Article 85, paragraph (5) of the Civil Rehabilitation Act, as those falling under cases in which significant hindrance would be caused to the continuation of the business of the rehabilitation debtor, unless the payment of the rehabilitation claims of small amounts are performed promptly, pursuant to the provisions of Article 85, paragraph (5) of the Civil Rehabilitation Act, the court is to make a decision as to whether the confirmed claims have been confirmed to comply with the all items of Article 59, paragraph 1, and determine whether payment of the confirmed claims falls under cases in which significant hindrance would be caused to the continuation of the business of the rehabilitation debtor, unless small amounts of the rehabilitation claims are performed promptly, as prescribed in Article 85, paragraph (5) of the Act. .

Article 62If a ruling has been made on the starting of rehabilitation proceedings regarding a business entity that has incurred debts regarding confirmed claims, and a proposed rehabilitation plan that creates a difference in the details of changes to rights between the confirmed claims and other rehabilitation claims has been submitted or approved, the court is to make a decision as to whether the proposed rehabilitation plan falls under cases in which fairness will not be compromised, and the proposed rehabilitation plan provides for rehabilitation claims of small amounts or any other difference is created among rehabilitation creditors, as prescribed in the proviso to Article 155, paragraph (1) of the Civil Rehabilitation Act, after considering that the confirmed claims have been confirmed to conform to both of the items of Article 59, paragraph (1).

Article 63If an application for the starting of reorganization proceedings has been filed regarding a business entity that has incurred debts regarding the confirmed claims, and the court has issued a provisional order under Article 28, paragraph (1) of the Corporate Reorganization Act, the court is to make a decision as to whether it should prohibit the payment for the confirmed claims by using that provisional order, after considering that it was confirmed that the confirmed claims conform to both of the items of Article 59, paragraph (1).

Article 64If a ruling has been made on the starting of reorganization proceedings regarding a business entity that has incurred debts regarding confirmed claims, and a petition has been filed for permission for the payment of those confirmed claims pursuant to the provisions of Article 47, paragraph (5) of the Corporate Reorganization Act on the grounds that significant hindrance would be caused to the continuation of the business of the reorganization company, unless payment of small amounts of the reorganization claims, etc. is performed promptly, the court is to make a decision after considering that the confirmed claims conform to comply with any of the items of Article 59, paragraph (1), and whether the payment of the confirmed claims falls under cases in which significant hindrance would be caused to the continuation of the business of the reorganization company, unless the reorganization claims, etc. of small amounts are performed promptly, as prescribed in Article 47, paragraph (5) of the Act.

Article 65If a ruling has been made on the starting of reorganization proceedings regarding a business entity that has incurred debts regarding confirmed claims, and a proposed reorganization plan that creates a difference in the details of changes to rights between the confirmed claims and other reorganization claims, etc. of the type has been submitted or approved, the court is to make a decision as to whether the proposed reorganization plan falls under cases in which fairness will not be compromised, even if a proposed reorganization plan otherwise provides for the reorganization claims, etc. of small amounts or any other difference is created among reorganization creditors, etc. who have rights of the type, as prescribed in the proviso to Article 168, paragraph (1) of the Corporate Reorganization Act, after considering that it was confirmed that the confirmed claims conform to both of the items of Article 59, paragraph (1).

Article 65-2The provisions of Article 60 through the preceding Article apply mutatis mutandis to the performance of claims confirmed under Article 59, paragraph (1) as applied mutatis mutandis to paragraph (3) of the Article. In such a case, the phrase "the items of paragraph (1) of the preceding Article" in Article 60 and the phrase "the items of Article 59, paragraph (1)" in Article 61 through the preceding Article are deemed to be replaced with "the items of Article 59, paragraph (1) as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to paragraph (3) of the Article".

Article 65-3(1)A business intending to promote corporate rehabilitation through specified certified dispute resolution procedures may, if creditors holding claims amounting to three-fifths or more of the total amount of claims of the creditors that are parties to the dispute, under the specified certified dispute resolution procedures, give their consent to the plan for corporate rehabilitation regarding the business, request the specified certified dispute resolution business entity undertaking the specified certified dispute resolution procedures to confirm that the reduction of the amount of claims based on the plan for corporate rehabilitation is in conformity with the standards specified by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as being indispensable for the corporate rehabilitation of the business.

(2)When having made the confirmation referred to in the preceding paragraph, the specified certified dispute resolution business entity is to immediately give notice to the business entity that requested the confirmation to that effect.

Article 65-4If the petition referred to in Article 211, paragraph (1) of the Civil Rehabilitation Act has been filed regarding a business entity subject to a reduction in the amount of claims, for which a specified certified dispute resolution business entity has given confirmation pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) of the preceding Article, the court is to make a decision whether the proposed rehabilitation plan referred to in the second sentence of Article 211, paragraph (1) of the Act falls under the grounds stated in Article 174, paragraph (2), item (iv) of the Act, after considering that it has been confirmed that the reduction is indispensable for the corporate rehabilitation of the relevant business.

Article 65-5To contribute to the facilitation of corporate rehabilitation of a business entity intending to promote corporate rehabilitation through specified certified dispute resolution procedures, a financial institution holding all or part of the claims against the business must cooperate when it receives a request from a specified certified dispute resolution business entity to participate in the specified certified dispute resolution procedures.

Article 65-6At the request of a new business developing business entity (excluding a small or medium-sized enterprise or individual) that has a difficulty in continuing its business, the Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation provides necessary advice regarding measures for business rehabilitation implemented by the new business developing business entity, such as a merger, company split, transfer or acquisition of a business, and procuring funds.

Article 66(1)If a stock company that issues shares listed on the financial instruments exchange prescribed in Article 2, paragraph (16) of the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act (referred to below as a "listed company" in this Article) has obtained confirmation from the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Minister of Justice, pursuant to the provisions of Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and Ministry of Justice Order, that the requirements specified by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and Ministry of Justice Order are satisfied regarding holding a shareholders meeting (including a general meeting of class shareholders; the same applies below in this paragraph and the following paragraph) as a shareholders meeting without a designated location (a general meeting of class shareholders without a designated location in the case of a general meeting of class shareholders; the same applies below in this paragraph and the following paragraph) the listed company may provide in its articles of incorporation that a shareholders meeting may be held as a shareholders meeting without a designated location in cases that contribute to strengthening industrial competitiveness while giving consideration to securing the interests of shareholders.

(2)In applying the provisions of Article 298, paragraphs (1) and (4), Article 299, paragraph (4), Article 317, and Article 318, paragraph (1) of the Companies Act (including the case where these provisions are applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 325 of the Act) and the provisions of Article 342-2, paragraph (3) and Article 345, paragraph (3) of the Act in the case where directors (in the case where shareholders call a shareholders meeting pursuant to the provisions of Article 297, paragraph (4) of the Companies Act (including as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 325 of the Act), those shareholders) of a listed company of which articles of incorporation have the provisions as provided for in the preceding paragraph call a shareholders meeting without a designated location (excluding cases where the requirements specified by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and Ministry of Justice Order as referred to in the preceding paragraph are not satisfied on the time of determining the calling of the meeting), the phrases stated in the middle column of the following table that are used in the provisions of the Act stated in the left-hand column of the table, are deemed to be replaced with the phrases respectively stated in the right-hand column of the table, and Cabinet Order prescribes any other necessary technical replacement of the phrases.

(3)In applying the provisions of Article 29, Article 348, paragraph (3), Article 399-13, paragraph (5), Article 416, paragraph (4), Article 482, paragraph (3), and Article 491 of the Companies Act regarding a listed company of which articles of incorporation have the provisions as provided for in paragraph (1), the phrases stated in the middle column of the following table that are used in the provisions of the Act stated in the left-hand column of the table are deemed to be replaced with the phrases respectively stated in the right-hand column of the table, and Cabinet Order prescribes any other necessary technical replacement of the phrases

Article 67(1)The competent minister is to establish the guidelines for promotion of implementing the measures to prevent leakage of technology and other information (referred to below as the "promotion guidelines").

(2)The promotion guidelines are to specify the following matters:

(3)If the competent minister has established the promotion guidelines or made changes to them, the minister is to publicize the guidelines without delay.

Article 68(1)A person that undertakes duties to certify measures to prevent leakage of technology and other information may receive the approval of the competent minister.

(2)A person that intends to receive the approval referred to in the preceding paragraph must submit a written application containing the following matters and other documents, pursuant to the provisions of order of the competent ministry to the competent minister:

(3)The competent minister is to grant approval if the minister has received an application for the approval as stated in paragraph (1) and finds that the methods of the implementation of duties to certify measures to prevent leakage of technology and other information in relation to the application conform to the criteria prescribed in paragraph (2), item (iii) of the preceding Article as established in the promotion guidelines.

(4)Those falling under any of the following items may not obtain the approval stated in paragraph (1):

(5)If the competent minister has granted approval as stated in paragraph (1), the minister is to publicize the name, address, scope of business operations, and other matters specified by order of the competent ministry.

Article 69(1)Unless the approval stated in paragraph (1) of the preceding Article is renewed for each period as specified by Cabinet Order within a period not exceeding three years, the relevant approval becomes invalid upon the expiration of that period.

(2)The provisions of paragraph (2), paragraph (3), and paragraph (4) (excluding item (ii)) of the preceding Article apply mutatis mutandis to the renewal of the approval referred to in the preceding paragraph.

(3)If the approval stated in paragraph (1) of the preceding Article has become invalid pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1), the competent minister is to publicize to that effect.

Article 70(1)If a person that has obtained approval as stated in Article 68, paragraph (1) (referred to below as an "approved body to certify measures to prevent leakage of technology and other information ") has transferred the entirety of their business to undertake measures to prevent leakage of technology and other information regarding the approval or when there has been an inheritance, merger or split (limited to the inheritance, merger or split to cause succession of the entirety of the business to undertake duties to certify measures to prevent leakage of technology and other information regarding the approval) regarding an approved body to certify measures to prevent leakage of technology and other information, the person that has received the entirety of the relevant business through transfer or; the heir (or, the single heir selected to relevant business with the consent of all the heirs, for cases in which there are two or more heirs and that single heir is thus selected; the applies below in this paragraph); the corporation surviving the merger or corporation established through the merger; or the corporation that has succeeded to the entirety of the relevant business through the split succeeds to the status of the approved body to certify measures to prevent leakage of technology and other information; provided, however, that this does not apply if the person that has received the entirety of the relevant business through transfer or, the heir, the corporation surviving the merger or corporation established through the merger, or the corporation that has succeeded to the entirety of the relevant business through the split falls under any of the items of paragraph (4) of the Article.

(2)A person that has succeeded to the status of an approved body to certify measures to prevent leakage of technology and other information pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph must notify the competent minister to that effect without delay, pursuant to the provisions of order of the competent ministry.

(3)If the competent minister has received a notification under the preceding paragraph, the minister is to publicize to that effect.

Article 71(1)If an approved body to certify measures to prevent leakage of technology and other information intends to make changes to the matters stated in Article 68, paragraph (2), item (ii), the body must receive the approval of the competent minister; provided, however, that this does not apply to minor changes specified by order of the competent ministry.

(2)The provisions of Article 68, paragraph (2), paragraph (3), and paragraph (4) (excluding item (ii)) apply mutatis mutandis to the approval of changes referred to in the preceding paragraph. In this case, the phrase "the following matters" in paragraph (2) of the Article is deemed to be replaced with "the following matters (for the matters stated in item (ii), limited to those regarding the changes)".

(3)If there have been any changes to the matters stated in Article 68, paragraph (2), item (i), or an approved body to certify measures to prevent leakage of technology and other information has made the minor changes specified by order of the competent ministry as stated in the proviso to paragraph (1), the body must notify the competent minister to that effect without delay.

(4)If the competent minister has granted approval of changes as stated in paragraph (1) or has received a notification under the preceding paragraph, the minister is to publicize to that effect.

Article 72Officers or employees of an approved body to certify measures to prevent leakage of technology and other information, or persons who were once employed as such must not divulge or misappropriate any confidential information that has come to their knowledge regarding duties to certify measures to prevent leakage of technology and other information, except if reasonable grounds exist.

Article 73If the competent minister determines that improvements are necessary regarding management of duties to certify measures to prevent leakage of technology and other information, which are undertaken by an approved body to certify measures to prevent leakage of technology and other information, the minister may order the relevant body to take measures necessary for those improvements.

Article 74(1)If an approved body to certify measures to prevent leakage of technology and other information intends to discontinue its duties to certify measures to prevent leakage of technology and other information, the body must notify the competent minister to that effect in advance, pursuant to the provisions of order of the competent ministry.

(2)If the competent minister has received a notification under the preceding paragraph, the minister is to publicize to that effect.

Article 75(1)If an approved body to certify measures to prevent leakage of technology and other information has fallen under any of the following items, the competent minister may rescind its approval:

(2)If the competent minister has rescinded the approval under the preceding paragraph, the minister is to publicize to that effect.

Article 76Regarding a general incorporated association or general incorporated foundation that has obtained approval as stated in Article 68, paragraph (1) by limiting the scope of the implementation of duties to certify measures to prevent leakage of technology and other information to those only targeting a small or medium-sized enterprise or individual (limited to a general incorporated association for which at least half of the voting rights in its general meeting of members are held by small or medium-sized enterprises or individuals, and a general incorporated foundation for which at least half of the value of the property contributed upon its incorporation has been contributed by small or medium-sized enterprises or individuals; referred to below as an "approved general incorporated association, etc." in this Article) and has received a guarantee for debts prescribed in Article 3, paragraph (1) or Article 3-2, paragraph (1) of the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Credit Insurance Act regarding funds necessary for undertaking the duties to certify measures to prevent leakage of technology and other information, the provisions of Article 3, Article 3-2, and Articles 4 through 8 of the Act apply by deeming the relevant approved general incorporated association, etc. as the small or medium-sized enterprise or individual stated in Article 2, paragraph (1) of the Act. In applying the provisions of Article 3, paragraph (1) and Article 3-2, paragraph (1) of the Act, in this case, the phrase "the borrowings" in these provisions is deemed to be replaced with "the borrowing of funds necessary for undertaking duties to certify measures to prevent leakage of technology and other information prescribed in Article 2, paragraph (24) of the Act on Strengthening Industrial Competitiveness (Act No. 98 of 2013) undertaken by the approved general incorporated association, etc. prescribed in Article 76 of the Act".

Article 77In response to a request from an approved body to certify measures to prevent leakage of technology and other information, the Information-Technology Promotion Agency, Japan@ provides information on the relevant approved body's duties to certify measures to prevent leakage of technology and other information, or otherwise undertakes duties to offer necessary cooperation (limited to providing the information on cybersecurity prescribed in Article 2 of the Basic Act on Cybersecurity (Act No. 104 of 2014) and other duties that promote the advancement of information processing in duties to certify measures to prevent leakage of technology and other information).

Article 78To promote the implementation of measures to prevent leakage of technology and other information by a small or medium-sized enterprise or individual, in response to a request from an approved body to certify measures to prevent leakage of technology and other information, the Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation provides information on the duties stated in Article 2, paragraph (24), item (ii) which that approved body undertakes, or otherwise undertakes duties to offer necessary cooperation.

Article 79A person that undertakes duties to certify measures to prevent leakage of technology and other information but has not obtained approval as stated in Article 68, paragraph (1) regarding those duties must not give any indication that could clearly give rise to the misconception that the person is an approved body to certify measures to prevent leakage of technology and other information.

Article 80The Japan Investment Corporation is to be a stock company, with the purpose of promoting specified business activities within Japan through making investments or otherwise providing funds and offering other support towards specified investment businesses and specified business activities, considering that innovation in industrial activities has become increasingly important by effectively utilizing management resources other than those owned individually, in order for Japanese industries to properly handle recent changes to industrial structure and global competitive conditions, and with an awareness that its duties will contribute to expanding private investment.

Article 81Only one Japan Investment Corporation (referred to below as the "JIC") is to be incorporated.

Article 82The government is to hold at all times a number of shares equivalent to two-thirds or greater of the total number of shares issued by the JIC (excluding shares of a class specified as those that cannot be used to exercise voting rights regarding all of the matters for which a resolution can be made at a shareholders meeting; the same applies in this Article).

Article 83(1)The JIC must obtain the approval of the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry if it intends to solicit subscribers for shares offered for subscription as prescribed in Article 199, paragraph (1) of the Companies Act (referred to as "shares for subscription" in Article 160, item (i)), the share options for subscription prescribed in Article 238, paragraph (1) of the Act (referred to as "share options for subscription" in the item), or the bonds for subscription prescribed in Article 676 of the Act (referred to as "bonds for subscription" in Article 122 and Article 160, item (i)); intends to issue shares, bonds, or share options at a share exchange or share delivery; or intends to borrow funds.

(2)After issuing shares through exercising share options, the JIC must notify the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry to that effect without delay.

Article 84The government may make capital contributions to the JIC within a range of amounts specified in the budget, when the government considers it to be necessary.

Article 85(1)The JIC must use the Japanese characters "株式会社産業革新投資機構" (pronounced "kabushiki gaisha sangyō kakushin tōshi kikō", meaning "Japan Investment Corporation") in its trade name.

(2)That which is not JIC must not use the Japanese characters "産業革新投資機構" (pronounced "sangyō kakushin tōshi kikō", meaning "Japan Investment Corporation") in their names.

Article 86(1)Beyond the matters stated in the items of Article 27 of the Companies Act, the following matters must be specified or recorded in the articles of incorporation of the JIC:

(2)The following matters must not be specified or recorded in the articles of incorporation of the JIC:

Article 87The incorporators of the JIC must prepare the articles of incorporation and, after having subscribed for their allotted shares issued at incorporation, they must submit the articles of incorporation and the business plan to the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry and promptly apply for approval of that incorporation.

Article 88(1)If an application for approval under the preceding Article has been filed, the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry is to examine whether or not the application conforms to all of the following:

(2)The Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry is to give approval for incorporation if the minister finds that the application conforms to all of the items of the preceding paragraph, as a result of the examination carried out pursuant to the provisions of the paragraph.

Article 89The appointment and dismissal of the directors at incorporation prescribed in Article 38, paragraph (1) of the Companies Act and the auditors at incorporation prescribed in paragraph (2), item (ii) of the Article do not become effective unless the approval of the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry has been obtained.

Article 90In applying the provisions of Article 30, paragraph (2), Article 34, paragraph (1), Article 59, paragraph (1), item (i), and Article 963, paragraph (1) of the Companies Act, the phrase "Articles of incorporation that are certified by a notary public pursuant to the preceding paragraph before the formation of the stock company" in Article 30, paragraph (2) of the Act is deemed to be replaced with "Articles of incorporation may not be amended before the incorporation of the Japan Investment Corporation after the approval stated in Article 88, paragraph (2) of the Act on Strengthening Industrial Competitiveness (Act No. 98 of 2013)"; the phrase "subscription for shares issued at incorporation" in Article 34, paragraph (1) of the Act is deemed to be replaced with "the approval stated in Article 88, paragraph (2) of the Act on Strengthening Industrial Competitiveness"; the phrase "the date of the certification of the articles of incorporation and the name of the notary public who effected the certification" in Article 59, paragraph (1), item (i) of the Act is deemed to be replaced with "the date of the approval stated in Article 88, paragraph (2) of the Act on Strengthening Industrial Competitiveness"; and the phrase "Article 34, paragraph (1)" in Article 963, paragraph (1) of the Act is deemed to be replaced with "Article 34, paragraph (1) (including as applied by replacing terms pursuant to the provisions of Article 90 of the Act on Strengthening Industrial Competitiveness, following the replacement of these terms)".

Article 91The provisions of Article 30, paragraph (1) and Article 33 of the Companies Act do not apply to the incorporation of the JIC.

Article 92Resolutions to appoint or dismiss directors and company auditors do not become effective unless the approval of the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry has been obtained.

Article 93The directors, accounting advisors (or, a member who is to perform the duties of an accounting advisor, if the accounting advisor is a corporation), company auditors, or employees of the JIC, or persons who have been employed as such must not divulge or misappropriate any confidential information that has come to their knowledge in the performance of their duties.

Article 94The Japan Investment Committee (referred to below as the "Committee" in this Chapter) is established in the JIC.

Article 95(1)The Committee makes the following decisions and evaluations:

(2)The Committee is deemed to have received delegation from the board of directors regarding decisions on the matters stated in item (i), and items (iii) through (v) of the preceding paragraph and evaluation stated in item (ii) of the paragraph.

Article 96(1)The Committee is composed of three through seven members who are directors.

(2)The majority of the Committee members must be outside directors.

(3)One or more representative directors must be included within the Committee members.

(4)Committee members are decided through a resolution of the board of directors.

(5)A resolutions on the appointment and dismissal of Committee members does not become effective unless the approval of the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry has been obtained.

(6)The Committee members perform their duties independently.

(7)The Committee has a chairperson, who is elected from among themselves.

(8)The chairperson presides over all of the affairs of the Committee.

(9)The Committee must designate a Committee member to undertake the duties of chairperson in advance if the chairperson is unable to perform their duties.

Article 97(1)The Committee is to be convened by the chairperson (or, by the person who undertakes the duties of chairperson as prescribed in paragraph (8) of the preceding Article, if the chairperson is unable to perform their duties; the same applies in the following paragraph and paragraph (3)).

(2)The Committee may not hold a meeting or make a resolution without the chairperson and at least two-thirds of the total number of incumbent Committee members in attendance.

(3)A resolution by the Committee is made by a majority of the Committee members in attendance at the meeting. In case of a tie, the chairperson makes the final decision.

(4)A Committee member who has a special interest regarding a resolution made pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph may not participate in voting on it.

(5)The number of Committee members who may not participate in voting pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph is not included in the number of incumbent Committee members prescribed in paragraph (2).

(6)A Company auditor must attend a Committee meeting and state their opinion if the Committee intends to make the evaluations stated in Article 95, paragraph (1), item (ii) or otherwise considers it necessary.

(7)After a resolution has been made pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (3), any member of the Committee who has been appointed by the Committee must notify the board of directors of the details of the resolution without delay.

(8)Minutes must be prepared regarding resolutions of the Committee, pursuant to the provisions of Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and if those minutes are in the form of written documents, the Committee members and company auditors who attended the Committee meeting must sign, or affix their names and seals to those minutes.

(9)If the minutes referred to in the preceding paragraph have been prepared in the form of electronic or magnetic records (meaning records created in electronic form, magnetic form, or any other form that is impossible to perceive by human senses, which are used in information processing by computers; the same applies below in this paragraph and paragraph (2), item (ii) of the following Article), measures in lieu of the affixation of signatures or names and seals specified by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry must be taken regarding the matters recorded in the electronic or magnetic records.

(10)In addition to what is provided for in the preceding paragraphs and the following Article, the Committee decides on procedures for meetings and other necessary matters concerning its own operations.

Article 98(1)The JIC must keep the minutes stated in paragraph (8) of the preceding Article at its head office for ten years from the date of the Committee meeting.

(2)A shareholder may make the following requests by receiving the permission of the court, if it is necessary for exercising their rights:

(3)A creditor may make a request as stated in the items of the preceding paragraph regarding the minutes stated in paragraph (1) by receiving the permission of the court, if they find it necessary for pursuing the liability of a Committee member.

(4)The court may not grant the permission stated in paragraph (2) or the preceding paragraph if it considers that substantial detriment to the JIC is likely to be caused by the inspection or copying regarding the requests stated in the items of paragraph (2) or the requests referred to in the preceding paragraph.

(5)The provisions of Article 868, paragraph (1), Article 869, Article 870, paragraph (2) (limited to the portion regarding item (i)), Article 870-2, the main clause of Article 871, Article 872 (limited to the portion regarding item (v)), Article 872-2, the main clause of Article 873, Article 875, and Article 876 of the Companies Act apply mutatis mutandis to the permissions stated in paragraph (2) and paragraph (3).

(6)A director may make the requests stated in the items of paragraph (2) regarding the minutes stated in paragraph (1).

Article 99(1)If the JIC has appointed a Committee member, it must register their name at the location of its head office within two weeks. This also applies if a change to the name of a Committee member has arisen.

(2)A written application for registration of the appointment of a Committee member under the preceding paragraph must be filed with a document certifying the appointment of the Committee member, and the appointed Committee member' acceptance of the assumption of office.

(3)A written application for registration of a changes due to the resignation of a Committee member must be filed with a document certifying that fact.

(4)The JIC must register any director selected as a committee member who is an outside director as being an outside director.

Article 100A resolution on a change to the articles of incorporation of the JIC does not become effective unless the approval of the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry has been obtained.

Article 101(1)The JIC is to undertake the following duties for achieving its objective:

(2)In addition to the business activities stated in the items of the preceding paragraph, the JIC may undertake the following duties to an extent that does not hinder its business performance:

(3)If the JIC intends to undertake duties contributing to its objective, beyond what is provided for in the preceding two paragraphs, it may undertake those duties by obtaining the approval of the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry in advance.

Article 102(1)The Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry is to establish the standards that the JIC should comply with, when making decisions on a specified investment business entity subject to specified fund provision and the details of the specified fund provision (referred to below as the "investment standards" in this Chapter).

(2)The investment standards are to specify the following matters:

(3)If the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry intends to establish the investment standards pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1), the minister is to hear the opinion of the competent minister for the business (meaning the minister with jurisdiction over the business regarding activities subject to specified investment business entity's provision of funds or other support for specified business activities or their provision of funds or other support for business activities to provide funds or other support for specified business activities; the same applies in Article 104, paragraph (3)) in advance.

(4)The Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry is to publicize the investment standards pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) when the minister has established them.

(5)The Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry is to make changes to the investment standards when any need arises due to fluctuations in the state of the economy.

(6)The provisions of paragraph (3) and paragraph (4) apply mutatis mutandis to changes to the investment standards under the preceding paragraph.

Article 103(1)If the JIC intends to conduct specified fund provision, it must make a decision on a specified investment business entity subject to the fund provision and the details of the specified fund provision in accordance with the investment standards.

(2)If the JIC intends to make a decision as to whether or not it conducts specified fund provision, it must obtain the approval of the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry in advance.

(3)If the JIC intends to obtain the approval referred to in the preceding paragraph, it must submit a written application containing the following matters to the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry:

Article 104(1)If the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry has received an application for the approval stated in paragraph (3) of the preceding Article, the minister is to examine whether the application conforms to both of the following:

(2)If the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry finds that the application conforms to both of the items of the preceding paragraph as a result of the examination carried out pursuant to the provisions of the paragraph, the minister is to give approval as stated in paragraph (2) of the preceding Article.

(3)If the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry intends to give approval as stated in paragraph (2) of the preceding Article, the minister is to hear the opinion of the competent minister for the business in advance.

Article 105(1)If the JIC intends to make changes to the matters stated in the items of Article 103, paragraph (3), it must obtain the approval of the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, pursuant to the provisions of Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

(2)The provisions of the preceding Article apply mutatis mutandis to the approval referred to in the preceding paragraph.

Article 106(1)The JIC must evaluate the performance of duties of an approved specified investment business entity (meaning specified investment business entity to which the JIC conducts specified fund provision by obtaining the approval stated in Article 103, paragraph (2); the same applies below) for each business year.

(2)If the JIC has made the evaluation referred to in the preceding paragraph, it must notify the relevant approved specified investment business entity of the evaluation results without delay, and collect funds regarding the specified provision of funds, or otherwise take necessary measures against the approved specified investment business entity in accordance with the evaluation results.

(3)If the JIC has made the evaluation stated in paragraph (1) or has taken the measures referred to in the preceding paragraph, it must report the evaluation results or the details of the measures to the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.

(4)The Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry is to change the investment standards if the minister has received a report under the preceding paragraph and finds it necessary to do so.

Article 107(1)The Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry is to establish the standards that the JIC should comply with when making a decision on a business entity subject to direct fund provision, and the details of the direct fund provision (referred to as the "support standards" in the following paragraph and paragraph (3) of this Article, and paragraph (1) of the following Article).

(2)If the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry intends to establish the support standards pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the minister is to hear the opinion of the competent minister for the business (meaning the minister with jurisdiction over the business regarding the activities subject to direct fund provision; the same applies in paragraph (4) and paragraph (5) of the following Article) in advance.

(3)If the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry has established the support standards pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1), the minister is to publicize them.

(4)The Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry is to make changes to the support standards when necessary due to fluctuations in the state of the economy.

(5)The provisions of paragraph (2) and paragraph (3) apply mutatis mutandis to changes to the support standards under the preceding paragraph.

Article 108(1)If the JIC intends to conduct direct fund provision, it must make a decision on a business entity subject to it and the details of the direct fund provision, in accordance with the support standards.

(2)If the JIC intends to make a decision as to whether it conducts direct fund provision or not, it must notify the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry to that effect and specify a reasonable period of time for the minister to state their opinion, in advance; provided, however, that this does not apply if direct fund provision consists solely of contributions (limited to contributions whose amount is below a certain amount and other contributions specified by Cabinet Order).

(3)If the JIC has made a decision to conduct direct fund provision in cases prescribed in the proviso to the preceding paragraph, it must promptly report to the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry to that effect with the relevant details.

(4)If the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry has received a notification under paragraph (2), the minister is to promptly notify the competent minister for the business of the details of the notification.

(5)The competent minister for the business may state their opinion to the JIC within the period of time stated in paragraph (2) if the minister has received a notification under the preceding paragraph, and finds it to be necessary to do so in view of the situation in the field of business to which the relevant business belongs.

Article 109(1)In the following cases, the JIC must promptly revoke a decision on direct fund provision:

(2)If the JIC has revoked a decision on direct fund provision pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, it must immediately notify the business entity subject to direct fund provision to that effect.

Article 110(1)If the JIC intends to make a decision on the transfer or other disposal of securities or claims that it holds regarding a business entity subject to direct fund provision, it must notify the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry to that effect and specify a reasonable period of time for the minister to state their opinion in advance.

(2)The JIC must endeavor to transfer or otherwise dispose of all securities and claims that it holds by March 31, 2034, in consideration of the economic situation and the state, etc. of the business of a target business entity.

(3)The redemption date for loans that are subject to a guarantee for obligations by the JIC must be not later than March 31, 2034.

Article 111Upon consulting with the Minister of Finance, the competent minister is to request the JIC to acquire all shares that the government holds in specified government-funded companies (referred to as "specified shares" in the following Article and Article 114) at the value evaluated by the evaluation committee members as stated in paragraph (3) of the following Article.

Article 112(1)If the JIC has received a request pursuant to the provisions of the preceding Article, it must acquire all of the specified shares within a period of time designated by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry within a period not exceeding three months from the date of the request. In this case, those specified shares that the JIC has acquired are deemed to be held by the government for applying the provisions of Article 2, paragraph (27) of this Act and the provisions of other laws and regulations that provide that those specified shares should be held by the government.

(2)If the JIC has acquired specified shares under the preceding paragraph, and has issued shares or disposed of treasury shares in exchange for their acquisition, in applying the provisions of Article 199, paragraph (2) of the Companies Act to the JIC, the phrase "a shareholders meeting" in the paragraph is deemed to be replaced with "a board of directors" and the following proviso is to be added to the paragraph: "; provided, however, that the board of directors must decide the amount to be paid or the method for calculating the relevant amount as stated in item (ii) of the preceding paragraph, based on the evaluation by the evaluation committee members stated in Article 112, paragraph (3) of the Act on Strengthening Industrial Competitiveness (Act No. 98 of 2013)".

(3)The value of the specified shares that the JIC has acquired pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) is the value evaluated by the evaluation committee members.

(4)If the evaluation committee members referred to in the preceding paragraph (simply referred to as the "evaluation committee members" in Article 114, paragraph (2) and paragraph (3)) intend to make the evaluation referred to in the preceding paragraph, they are to use as its basis, the market value of the specified shares on the day on which the acquisition of all of the specified shares becomes effective; provided, however, that they may decide not to depend on the market value of the specified shares if they find it inappropriate to do so, in consideration of the types of the specified shares and other matters.

(5)Beyond what is provided for in the preceding paragraphs, Cabinet Order prescribes necessary matters concerning the acquisition of specified shares by the JIC.

Article 113The provisions of Article 469, paragraph (1) (limited to the part other than what is listed in the items provided), paragraph (3), and paragraph (5) through paragraph (9), Article 470, and Article 868 through Article 876 of the Companies Act apply mutatis mutandis to the cases stated in paragraph (1) of the preceding Article. In this case, the phrases stated in the middle column of the following table that are used in the provisions of the Act stated in the left-hand column of the table are deemed to be replaced with the phrases stated in the right-hand column of the table, and any other necessary technical replacement of the phrases is to be specified by Cabinet Order.

Article 114(1)If the JIC intends to transfer specified shares, it must obtain the approval of the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.

(2)When the JIC intends to transfer the specified shares by obtaining the approval referred to in the preceding paragraph, the value of those shares is that evaluated by the evaluation committee members.

(3)If the evaluation committee members intend to make an evaluation as referred to in the preceding paragraph, they are to use, as its basis, the market value of the specified shares on the day on which the transfer of the specified shares becomes effective; provided, however, that they may decide not to depend on the market value of the specified shares if they find it inappropriate to do so, in consideration of the types of the specified shares and other matters.

(4)Beyond what is provided for in the preceding three paragraphs, Cabinet Order prescribes necessary matters concerning the transfer of specified shares by the JIC.

Article 115(1)The Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry and heads of national administrative organs are to endeavor to provide the JIC and target business entities with advice or other assistance necessary for the target business entities to implement their business smoothly and reliably.

(2)In addition to what is provided for in the preceding paragraph, the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry and heads of national administrative organs are to cooperate and mutually coordinate, so as to encourage the JIC and target business entities to implement their business smoothly and reliably.

Article 116(1)Before the start of each business year, the JIC must submit the budget for the relevant business year to the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, and obtain the approval of the minister. This also applies if the JIC intends to make changes to the budget.

(2)The JIC must attach documents concerning the business plan and financial plan for that relevant business year regarding the budget referred to in the preceding paragraph.

Article 117Resolutions at the JIC on dividends of surplus and other dispositions of surplus do not become effective unless the approval of the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry has been obtained.

Article 118The JIC must submit a balance sheet, profit and loss statement, and business report for the relevant business year to the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry within three months from the end of each business year.

Article 119Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 3 of the Act on the Restrictions on Government Financial Assistance to Corporations (Act No. 24 of 1946), the government may provide guarantees for obligations regarding the JIC's bonds or borrowing stated in Article 83, paragraph (1), within the limit of the amount approved by the Diet.

Article 120(1)The JIC must establish standards for remuneration and severance pay for directors and salaries for employees, notify the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of those standards, and also publicize them. This also applies if the JIC has made changes to the standards.

(2)Regarding salary or other treatment for employees solely engaging in duties to make capital contributions (referred to as "employees solely engaging in contributions" in this paragraph), the JIC is to pay attention to securing excellent personnel, and nurturing and promoting the active participation of full-time young contribution employees, within the scope of the budget approval pursuant to the provisions of Article 116, paragraph (1).

Article 121(1)The Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry supervises the JIC, in accordance with what is provided for by this Act.

(2)The Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry may issue orders to the JIC as necessary for its supervision regarding duties of the JIC and authorized specified investment business entities if the minister finds it necessary to do so for the enforcement of this Act.

Article 122The Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry is to consult with the Minister of Finance if the minister intends to give the authorization stated in Article 83, paragraph (1) (limited to cases in which the JIC intends to solicit persons to subscribe for the subscription shares, issue bonds at a share exchange or share delivery, or borrow funds), Article 88, paragraph (2), Article 100, Article 101, paragraph (3), Article 103, paragraph (2), Article 105, paragraph (1), Article 114, paragraph (1), Article 116, paragraph (1), Article 117, or Article 125; establishes the investment standards pursuant to the provisions of Article 102, paragraph (1); or makes changes to the investment standards pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (5) of the Article or Article 106, paragraph (4) .

Article 123(1)The Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry is to evaluate the performance of duties by the JIC for each business year.

(2)If the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry has made an evaluation as referred to in the preceding paragraph, the minister is to notify the JIC concerning the evaluation results and publicize them, without delay.

(3)Upon making the evaluation referred to in paragraph (1), the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry is to take into account the fact that the JIC is required to utilize highly professional and practical knowledge in its duties, to deal with the changes in the industrial structure and global competitive conditions.

Article 124The JIC is to be dissolved upon the completion of the duties stated in the items of Article 101, paragraph (1).

Article 125Resolutions on mergers, company splits, transfer or acquisition of a business, and dissolution of the JIC do not become effective unless the authorization of the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry has been obtained.

Article 126(1)The Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications are to establish guidelines for the implementation of programs for supporting start-ups, etc. (referred to below as the "implementation guidelines" in this Article and paragraph (4), item (i) of the following Article) in order to properly support start-ups through programs for supporting start-ups, etc. and proactively carrying out dissemination and awareness-raising activities concerning start-ups, therefore contributing to the revitalization of small and medium-sized enterprises.

(2)The implementation guidelines are to specify the following matters:

(3)The Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications are to make changes to the implementation guidelines when necessary due to fluctuations in the state of the economy.

(4)If the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications intend to establish or make changes to the implementation guidelines, they are to consult with the ministers with jurisdiction over the businesses of small or medium-sized enterprises or individuals, and hear the opinion of the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Policy Making Council, in advance; provided, however, that this does not apply to minor changes specified by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.

(5)If the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications have established or made changes to the implementation guidelines, they are to publicize the guidelines without delay.

Article 127(1)A municipality may prepare a plan for a program for supporting start-ups, etc. it intends to implement (including a program for supporting start-ups, etc. that a person other than the municipality intends to implement in coordination with the municipality's program for supporting start-ups, etc.; the same applies below) (the relevant plan is referred to below as a "plan for a program for supporting start-ups, etc."), and submit it to the competent minister to receive approval, pursuant to the provisions of order of the competent ministry.

(2)If two or more municipalities intend to jointly implement their program for supporting start-ups, etc., those two or more municipalities may jointly prepare a plan for a program for supporting start-ups, etc. to receive the approval referred to in the preceding paragraph.

(3)A plan for a program for supporting start-ups, etc. must contain the following matters:

(4)If the competent minister has received an application for approval as stated in paragraph (1) and finds that the plan for a program for supporting start-ups, etc. conforms to both of the following items, the minister is to approve the plan:

(5)If the competent minister has granted approval as stated in paragraph (1), the minister is to publicize the details of the plan for a program for supporting start-ups, etc. regarding the approval, pursuant to the provisions of order of the competent ministry.

Article 128(1)If a municipality that has obtained approval as stated in paragraph (1) of the preceding Article (referred to below as an "approved municipality") intends to make changes to the plan for a program for supporting start-ups, etc. regarding the approval, the municipality must seek the approval of the competent minister, pursuant to the provisions of order of the competent ministry.

(2)If the competent minister may rescind an approval if the minister finds that an approved municipality (including a person that implements the program conducted by a person other than the municipality in coordination with the program for supporting start-ups, etc. that the approved municipality is implementing under a plan for a program for supporting start-ups, etc. regarding the approval (or the plan after changes if an approval has been granted for those changes under the preceding paragraph; referred to below as an "approved plan for a program for supporting start-ups, etc."); the relevant coordinated program is referred to as an "approved coordinated program for supporting start-ups, etc." in Article 130, and the relevant person is referred to as a "business entity for approved coordinated program for supporting start-ups, etc." in Article 131, paragraph (1) and Article 141, paragraph (1)) is not implementing the program for supporting start-ups, etc. in accordance with the approved plan for a program for supporting start-ups, etc..

(3)If the competent minister finds that an approved plan for a program for supporting start-ups, etc. no longer conforms to either of the items of paragraph (4) of the preceding Article, the minister may direct the approved municipality to make changes to the approved plan for a program for supporting start-ups, etc. or may rescind its approval.

(4)If the competent minister has rescinded the approval under the preceding two paragraphs, the minister is to publicize to that effect.

(5)The provisions of paragraph (4) and paragraph (5) of the preceding Article apply mutatis mutandis to the approval stated in paragraph (1).

Article 129(1)In applying the provisions of Article 3-2, paragraph (1) and paragraph (3) of the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Credit Insurance Act regarding the insurance relationships of unsecured insurance relating to a small or medium-sized enterprise or individual that is a founder (including the founders stated in Article 2, paragraph (29), item (i), item (iii), and item (v); the same applies below) having received a start-up-related guarantee (meaning a guarantee for debts prescribed in Article 3-2, paragraph (1) of the Act regarding the required funds of a founder that are specified by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry; the same applies below in this Article), the phrase "small or medium-sized enterprise or individual" in Article 3-2, paragraph (1) of the Act is deemed to be replaced with "small or medium-sized enterprise or individual (including the founders stated in Article 2, paragraph (29), item (i), item (iii), and item (v) of the Act on Strengthening Industrial Competitiveness (Act No. 98 of 2013); the same applies below)"; the phrase "the total insurance value per each small or medium-sized enterprise or individual" in the paragraph is deemed to be replaced with "the total insurance value of the insurance relationships regarding a start-up-related guarantee prescribed in Article 129, paragraph (1) of the Act (referred to below as a "start-up-related guarantee") and the total insurance value for other insurance relationships per each small or medium-sized enterprise or individual, respectively,"; and the phrase "80,000,000 yen" in the paragraph is deemed to be replaced with "35,000,000 yen and 80,000,000 yen"; and the phrase "the amount guaranteed out of the amount of the borrowings" in paragraph (3) of the Article is deemed to be replaced with "the amount guaranteed out of the amount of the borrowings, for each start-up-related guarantee and other guarantees, respectively,"; the phrase "exceed 80,000,000 yen" in the paragraph is deemed to be replaced with "exceed 35,000,000 yen and 80,000,000 yen)"; the phrase "a small or medium-sized enterprise or individual that is the debtor" in the paragraph is deemed to be replaced with "a small or medium-sized enterprise or individual that is the debtor, for each of the start-up-related guarantee and other guarantees"; and the phrase "from 80,000,000 yen" in the paragraph is deemed to be replaced with "from 35,000,000 yen and 80,000,000 yen, respectively".

(2)If the founder stated in Article 2, paragraph (29), item (ii) that has established a new company (limited to a small or medium-sized enterprise or individual; the same applies below in this paragraph) (the founder is referred to below as the "company-establishing founder" in this paragraph) causes the company to succeed to all or part of the founder's business through a business transfer, the provisions of the preceding paragraph apply, by deeming the company as the founder stated in paragraph (29), item (iv) of the Article until five years have elapsed from the day on which the company-establishing founder started business. In this case, the phrase "with '35,000,000 yen and 80,000,000 yen';" in the preceding paragraph is deemed to be replaced with "with '35,000,000 yen (if the insurance relationships regarding a start-up-related guarantee has already been established for the company-establishing founder (meaning the company-establishing founder prescribed in paragraph (2) of the Article, and for cases in which the company-establishing founder establishes another new company (limited to a small or medium-sized enterprise or individual) and causes that other company to succeed to all or part of the founder's business through a business transfer, and includes that other company; the same applies in paragraph (3)) that established the small or medium-sized enterprise or individual, an amount that remains after deducting the total insurance value of the insurance relationships from 35,000,000 yen) and 80,000,000 yen';", and the phrase "a small or medium-sized enterprise or individual that is the debtor, for each of the start-up-related guarantee and other guarantees" in the paragraph is deemed to be replaced with "a small or medium-sized enterprise or individual and a company-establishing founder that are the debtors concerning the start-up-related guarantee, and a small or medium-sized enterprise or individual that is the debtor regarding other guarantees".

(3)The founder stated in Article 2, paragraph (29), item (i), item (iii), and item (v) that has received a start-up-related guarantee is deemed to be a small or medium-sized enterprise or individual as stated in Article 2, paragraph (1) of the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Credit Insurance Act, and the provisions of Article 3-2 and Articles 4 through 8 of the Act apply to the relevant founder.

(4)In applying the provisions of Article 3-2, paragraph (2) and Article 5 of the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Credit Insurance Act to the insurance relationships of unsecured insurance from among those regarding start-up-related guarantees that are related to a small or medium-sized enterprise or individual which is a founder falling under both of the following items, the phrase "80 percent" in Article 3-2, paragraph (2) of the Act and the phrase "70 percent (or 80 percent, for unsecured insurance, special petty insurance, current assets insurance, pollution prevention insurance, energy conservation insurance, overseas investment-related insurance, new business development insurance, corporate rehabilitation insurance, and specific corporate bond insurance)" in Article 5 of the Act are deemed to be replaced with "90 percent":

(5)Cabinet Order prescribes the limit on the total of the insurance values of unsecured insurance relationships that are designated by Cabinet Order for a person who has received a start-up-related guarantee.

(6)The amount of insurance premiums for insurance relationships of unsecured insurance relating to start-up related guarantees is to be the amount obtained by multiplying the insurance amount by the rate specified by Cabinet Order within two hundredths per annum notwithstanding the provisions of Article 4 of the Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Credit Insurance Act.

Article 130Regarding a general incorporated association or general incorporated foundation (limited to a general incorporated association in which at least half of the voting rights in its general meeting of members are held by small and medium-sized enterprises and to a general incorporated foundation for which at least half of the value of the property contributed upon its incorporation has been contributed by small and medium-sized enterprises or individuals) or a specified nonprofit corporation prescribed in Article 2, paragraph (2) of the Act on Promotion of Specified Non-profit Activities (Act No. 7 of 1998) (limited to a specified nonprofit corporation for which at least half of the rights to vote in its general meeting of members are held by small and medium-sized enterprises) that implements an approved coordinated program for supporting start-ups, etc. and has received a guarantee for debts prescribed in Article 3, paragraph (1) or Article 3-2, paragraph (1) of the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Credit Insurance Act regarding funds necessary for implementing the approved coordinated program for supporting start-ups, etc. (referred to below as an "approved general incorporated association, etc." in this Article), the approved general incorporated association, etc. is deemed to be the small or medium-sized enterprise or individual stated in Article 2, paragraph (1) of the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Credit Insurance Act, and the provisions of Article 3, Article 3-2, and Articles 4 through Article 8 of the Act apply to the relevant approved general incorporated association, etc. In this case, in applying the provisions of Article 3, paragraph (1) and Article 3-2, paragraph (1) of the Act, the phrase "borrowing" in those provisions is deemed to be replaced with "borrowing of funds necessary for implementing the approved coordinated program for supporting start-ups, etc. prescribed in Article 128, paragraph (2) of the Act on Strengthening Industrial Competitiveness (Act No. 98 of 2013)".

Article 131(1)In response to a request from an approved municipality or a business entity for an approved coordinated program for supporting start-ups, etc., the Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation provides information concerning the relevant program for supporting start-ups, etc. or other necessary cooperation.

(2)Prefectures may provide municipalities that intend to prepare a plan for a program for supporting start-ups, etc. or approved municipalities with information concerning programs for supporting start-ups, etc. or other assistance.

Article 132(1)The debts of a small or medium-sized enterprise or individual based on a specified letter of credit issuance contract are deemed to be debt obligations due to the borrowing prescribed in Article 3, paragraph (1) of the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Credit Insurance Act, and the provisions of Article 3 and Articles 4 through 8 of the Act apply to them. In this case, in applying the provisions of Article 3, paragraph (1) of the Act regarding the insurance relationships of ordinary insurance that are related to a small or medium-sized enterprise or individual which has received a specified letter of credit-related guarantee (meaning a guarantee for debts based on a specified letter of credit issuance contract; the same applies below in this Article), the phrase "the total insurance value per each small or medium-sized enterprise or individual " in the paragraph is deemed to be replaced with "the total insurance value of the insurance relationships regarding a specified letter of credit-related guarantee prescribed in Article 132, paragraph (1) of the Act on Strengthening Industrial Competitiveness (Act No. 98 of 2013) and the total insurance value for other insurance relationships per each small or medium-sized enterprise or individual, respectively,"; the phrase "the total amount guaranteed out of the amount of the borrowings" in the paragraph is deemed to be replaced with "the total amount guaranteed (or the maximum amount in the case of a special guarantee) out of the amount of debts based on a specified letter of credit issuance contract (meaning the specified letter of credit issuance contract stated in Article 2, paragraph (33) of the Act) (limited to the amount equivalent to the amount of borrowings from a foreign bank, etc. (meaning the foreign bank, etc. stated in Article 4, paragraph (3) of the Banking Act (Act No. 59 of 1981)) of a foreign affiliated corporation (meaning the foreign affiliated corporation stated in Article 2, paragraph (16) of the Act on Strengthening Industrial Competitiveness) of the small or medium-sized enterprise or individual) and the total amount guaranteed out of the amount of the borrowings"; and the phrase "total amount" in the paragraph is deemed to be replaced with ", total amount, and the amount of the borrowing, respectively".

(2)In applying the provisions of the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Credit Insurance Act stated in the left-hand column of the following table regarding the insurance relationships of ordinary insurance that are related to a specified letter of credit-related guarantee, the phrases stated in the middle column of the table that are used in these provisions are deemed to be replaced with the phrases stated in the right-hand column of the table.

Article 133(1)In order to properly support the business rehabilitation of small and medium-sized enterprises through SME business rehabilitation through succession or other efforts to contribute to the revitalization of those enterprises, the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry is to establish basic guidelines concerning support measures to be taken by the State, local governments, the Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation, and approved support institutions (referred to below as the "support guidelines" in this Article and paragraph (1) of the following Article).

(2)The support guidelines are to specify the following:

(3)The Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry is to make changes to the support guidelines when necessary due to fluctuations in the state of the economy.

(4)If the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry intends to establish the support guidelines or make changes to them, the minister is to consult with the minister who has jurisdiction over the businesses of small and medium-sized enterprises and individuals, and to hear the opinion of the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Policy Making Council, in advance; provided, however, that this does not apply to minor changes specified by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

(5)If the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry has established the support guidelines or has made changes to them, the minister is to publicize the guidelines without delay.

Article 134(1)Based on the support guidelines and pursuant to the provisions of Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry may approve a society of commerce and industry, a prefectural federation of societies of commerce, a chamber of commerce, or a designated corporation prescribed in Article 7, paragraph (1) of the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Support Act (Act No. 147 of 1963) that is considered to be able to undertake the duties prescribed in the following paragraph (referred to below as "duties to support small and medium-sized enterprise revitalization") in all or part of the area of a prefecture, properly and reliably, as a person undertaking duties to support small and medium-sized enterprise revitalization, upon application from these entities.

(2)A person that has obtained approval as referred to in the preceding paragraph (referred to below as an "approved support institution") is to undertake the following duties in the area stated in paragraph (4), item (iv), (c) regarding that approval, in addition to what is provided for by other laws and regulations:

(3)An approved support institution may undertake private dispute resolution procedures (meaning the procedures prescribed in Article 2, item (i) of the Act on Promotion of Use of Alternative Dispute Resolution) on disputes regarding corporate rehabilitation, by obtaining the certification stated in Article 5 of the Act and the approval stated in Article 47, paragraph (1) of this Act, beyond the duties specified by other laws and regulations and the duties stated in the items of the preceding paragraph.

(4)Any person intending to obtain approval as stated in paragraph (1) must submit a written application for approval containing the following to the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, pursuant to the provisions of Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry:

(5)If there have been any changes to the matters stated in item (i) and item (ii) of the preceding paragraph, an approved support institution must notify the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry to that effect without delay, and if it intends to make changes (excluding minor changes specified by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry) to the matters stated in item (iv) of the paragraph, it must notify the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry to that effect in advance.

Article 135(1)The small and medium-sized enterprise revitalization support council is established in an approved support institution.

(2)The small and medium-sized enterprise revitalization support council is to be composed of the head of the approved support institution and the council members appointed by the head.

(3)Members of the small and medium-sized sized enterprise revitalization support council must be appointed from among persons who have practical experience or relevant knowledge and experience regarding duties to support small and medium-sized enterprise revitalization.

(4)If the head of an approved support institution has appointed members of its small and medium-sized sized enterprise revitalization support council, the head must notify the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry to that effect, pursuant to the provisions of Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. This also applies if changes have arisen in the membership of the small and medium-sized sized enterprise revitalization support council.

(5)A Small and medium-sized sized enterprise revitalization support council is to deliberate and decide on the specific details, necessary matters concerning the securing of the framework for implementing duties, and other important matters for the execution of the approved support institution's duties to support small and medium-sized enterprise revitalization, and must provide specialist advice to the approved support institution.

(6)Beyond what are provided for in the preceding items, Cabinet Order prescribes necessary matters concerning the organization and operation of a small and medium-sized enterprise revitalization support council.

Article 136(1)An officer or employee of an approved support institution or a member of a small and medium-sized enterprise revitalization support council, or a person who has been employed in those positions must not divulge or misappropriate any confidential information that has come to their knowledge regarding duties to support small and medium-sized enterprise revitalization.

(2)The provisions of the preceding paragraph do not apply to the following information:

Article 137If the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry determines that improvements are necessary regarding an approved support institution's management of its duties to support small and medium-sized enterprise revitalization, the minister may order the approved support institution to take measures necessary for those improvements.

Article 138If an approved support institution has violated an order under the preceding Article, the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry may rescind its approval.

Article 139Regarding an approved support institution that has received a guarantee for debts as prescribed in Article 3, paragraph (1) or Article 3-2, paragraph (1) of the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Credit Insurance Act regarding funds necessary for implementing a specified program for supporting small and medium-sized enterprise revitalization (meaning a program regarding duties to support small and medium-sized enterprise revitalization that has been decided on by a small and medium-sized sized enterprise revitalization support council), the approved support institution is deemed to be the small or medium-sized enterprise or individual stated in Article 2, paragraph (1) of the Act, and the provisions of Article 3, Article 3-2, and Article 4 through Article 8 of the Act apply to the relevant institution. In this case, in applying the provisions of Article 3, paragraph (1) and Article 3-2, paragraph (1) of the Act, the phrase "borrowing" in those provisions is deemed to be replaced with "borrowing of funds necessary for implementing the program for supporting specified small and medium-sized enterprise revitalization prescribed in Article 139 of the Act on Strengthening Industrial Competitiveness (Act No. 98 of 2013)".

Article 140The Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation undertakes the following duties for supporting the revitalization of small and medium-sized enterprises: