On April 25, 2024, the JPO announced a revision of the Patent and Utility Model Examination Handbook.
This is due to the start of operation of the Patent Application Closed System, which came into effect on May 1, 2024. As such, it does not set forth any new guidelines or operations beyond those stipulated in the Law.
The revised handbook will apply to audits conducted on or after May 1, 2024.
Japan Patent Office
https://www.jpo.go.jp/e/system/laws/rule/guideline/patent/kaitei/rev_202405.html