The Justice Ministry plans to increase government support for drawing up new laws in developing countries that have introduced market economies amid the spread of globalization.
The ministry made the decision in response to increasing demands from mainly Asian nations that are struggling to cope in legislative terms with global and domestic economic changes, according to ministry officials.
In October, it plans to set up a research institute specializing in support for civil law systems in developing states, the officials said, adding that the institute will be located in Osaka and will have about 10 staff.
As part of the planned legislative assistance, Justice Minister Masahiko Komura is scheduled to visit Vietnam later this month.
"The ministry's support will be human aid," Komura emphasized, "not just constructing buildings or facilities, which often draws criticism."
He expressed eagerness to support changes in Chinese laws, saying, "We will do as much as we can if there is such a request (from China)."
The ministry initiated its legislative aid program in fiscal 1994 by using official development assistance funds. Current forms of help include inviting legal experts from recipient states to Japan for training sessions.
So far, about 170 experts from 14 countries in Asia, Africa and South America have participated in training by the Japanese government, the officials said.