April 14, 2026
⚑ Important
Regulation
MHLW Issues Final CBN Compliance Guidance Ahead of June Ban
The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare released comprehensive guidance for manufacturers and importers regarding CBN product withdrawal procedures before the June 1 effective date. The guidance mandates complete inventory disposal by May 25 and requires detailed reporting of remaining stock levels by April 30. Companies must submit destruction certificates through the new digital compliance portal within 30 days of disposal. Non-compliance may result in import license suspension for up to two years.
April 15, 2026
Market
CBG Product Registrations Surge 340% in Q1 2026
Tokyo Customs reported a 340% increase in CBG product registration applications during the first quarter of 2026 compared to Q4 2025. The surge reflects manufacturers pivoting from CBN to CBG formulations ahead of the June regulatory changes. Processing times for new CBG products have extended to 6-8 weeks due to increased volume and enhanced testing requirements. Industry sources indicate CBG isolate pricing has stabilized at ¥85,000-95,000 per kilogram for pharmaceutical-grade material.
📰
Tokyo Customs
·
customs.go.jp
April 16, 2026
Science
University of Tokyo Publishes CBG Bioavailability Study Results
Researchers at the University of Tokyo's Faculty of Medicine published findings showing CBG oral bioavailability increases 2.3-fold when combined with medium-chain triglycerides compared to standard formulations. The peer-reviewed study examined 180 healthy subjects over 12 weeks and found optimal absorption occurred with 10mg CBG doses taken with 500mg MCT oil. The research provides scientific foundation for product developers targeting the expanding Japanese CBG market.
April 17, 2026
⚑ Important
Business
Major Retailer Rakuten Announces CBG Product Category Launch
E-commerce giant Rakuten confirmed plans to launch a dedicated CBG product category on its marketplace, effective May 1. The platform will implement strict vendor verification requiring valid import licenses and third-party lab certificates for all cannabinoid products. Rakuten's entry signals mainstream retail acceptance of CBG products and provides overseas brands with access to Japan's largest online consumer base. The company expects to onboard 50-75 verified CBG vendors during the initial rollout phase.
📰
Rakuten Group
·
rakuten.co.jp
April 13, 2026
Regulation
Customs Enforcement Reports 23% Increase in THC Violations
Japan Customs released quarterly enforcement statistics showing a 23% increase in THC contamination violations among imported hemp products compared to Q4 2025. Most violations involved products containing 0.05-0.15% THC, exceeding Japan's strict detection limits. The agency attributes the increase to inadequate source material testing and incomplete understanding of Japan's zero-tolerance policy among overseas suppliers. Enhanced screening protocols now target high-risk origin countries identified through violation patterns.
📰
Japan Customs
·
customs.go.jp