The Japan Commercial Arbitration Association (JCAA) amended its Commercial Arbitration Rules (the Rules) and Regulations for Arbitrator's Remuneration (the Regulations) on 1 January 2008. The Regulations have been changed to reflect a substantial increase in hourly rates for arbitrators. The new maximum hourly rate is YEN 80,000 (about £380). Given that historically the maximum hourly rate for arbitrators has been relatively low, it is hoped that this amendment will attract more top international arbitrators to conduct JCAA arbitrations.

The amendments to the Rules relate to impartiality and independence. In addition to other disclosure obligations, they require arbitrators to submit a written undertaking to the JCAA as soon as possible after their appointment, disclosing any circumstances giving rise to doubts about impartiality or independence, or to declare there are no such circumstances.