Compliance Mastery: Navigating Japan’s Whistleblower Protections
This course equips all staff in Japan with a clear understanding of the Whistleblower Protection Act, their rights and obligations when raising concerns, and how to use internal and external reporting channels confidently and safely.
Japan's Whistleblower Protection Act (公益通報者保護法, Kōeki Tsūhōsha Hogo Hō) establishes important legal protections for employees who report wrongdoing in good faith. Amended and strengthened in 2020 and brought into full effect in June 2022, the Act imposes new obligations on organisations and provides stronger safeguards for those who come forward with concerns. Understanding these protections is not merely a legal formality — it is a cornerstone of an ethical, accountable workplace.
This course is designed for all staff across your organisation operating in Japan. It explains the scope of the Whistleblower Protection Act, who qualifies for protection, what types of disclosures are covered, how to use internal reporting systems effectively, and what to do if you witness retaliation. Whether you are a frontline employee, a team leader, or an administrative professional, this training will give you the knowledge and confidence to speak up when something is wrong.
This course forms part of a two-course set tailored for Japan. The companion course is designed for managers and compliance professionals and covers implementation obligations, investigation procedures, and governance responsibilities in greater depth. Together, these courses support your organisation in building a speak-up culture that is compliant, respectful, and aligned with both the letter and spirit of Japanese whistleblower law.
Course content
1. Understanding Japan's Whistleblower Protection Act
- History and Purpose of the Whistleblower Protection Act
- Who Is Protected and What Conduct Is Covered
2. Reporting Channels: Internal and External Options
- Internal Reporting: Your Organisation's Systems
- External Reporting: Regulators and Other Bodies
3. Protections Against Retaliation
- What Retaliation Looks Like and Why It Is Prohibited
4. Confidentiality and Your Responsibilities as a Staff Member
- Maintaining Confidentiality: Obligations on Handling Staff and Reporters
- Acting in Good Faith and Avoiding Misuse
5. The Role of the Consumer Affairs Agency and Other Regulators
- Regulatory Oversight of Whistleblower Protections in Japan
6. Putting It All Together: Making a Report and Supporting Your Colleagues
- Step-by-Step: How to Make a Whistleblowing Report
7. Final Assessment
- Final Assessment
- 10 lessons
- Pass mark: 80%
- Completion certificate
You'll need a learner account to enrol.
Pay for 2–500 seats in one purchase. You'll receive an access code to share with your team.
Total: $495.00 + GST
Completion requirements
- Lessons and modules must be completed in order — each unlocks when the previous one is finished.
- Quizzes must be passed (pass mark 80%).
- Your certificate is issued automatically when every lesson is complete.
Unlock this course for free with a code from your organisation.