Civil lawsuits against foreign governments should be allowed in Japanese courts in nine areas, including business transactions and employment contracts, a government panel recommended Wednesday.
Following the recommendation by the advisory panel to Justice Minister Eisuke Mori, the ministry will seek during the ongoing ordinary Diet session to submit a bill for a new law that will make clear the rules on such lawsuits.
The move is aimed at addressing business problems that occur between Japanese companies and foreign governments amid the increasing globalization of the economy.
According to the outline of the recommendation, such suits could be filed against foreign governments, as well as entities such as provincial governments or central banks.
The nine issues that can go to court include transactions such as commodity sales or loan business; employment contracts such as unpaid wages; compensation claims over traffic accidents or injury; and infringement of Japanese patents or copyrights.
In principle, states are exempted from being treated as defendants by courts in foreign countries under international law. But recently it has become common not to apply the principle in civil suits, including those concerning business transactions.