History 
The first formal regulation of attorneys (bengoshi) in Japan can be traced back to February 1876, when the Attorney Rules (Daigen-nin Kisoku) were promulgated. At that time attorneys were called Daigen-nin and enjoyed a special status or prerogative to represent clients in court, subject to strict supervision by public prosecutors.

In 1893, the first Attorney Act was enacted which limited the scope of attorneys' practice to courtroom work. This law also established a qualifying examination for attorneys and provided for the registration of attorneys in each district court jurisdiction. Local bar associations were also established but were subject to the overall supervision of the Chief District Public Prosecutors. In 1933, amendments to the Attorney Act expanded the scope of the attorneys' practice to a much wider range of legal work. Even under the amended law, bar associations remained under the control of the Minister of Justice.

In 1946, the present Japanese Constitution, with its guiding principles of guaranteed fundamental human rights, democracy (popular sovereignty), and pacifism, was adopted, bringing with it a historic transformation in the attorneys' role. The current Attorney Act, enacted in 1949 after the establishment of the Japanese Constitution, transferred control of attorneys from the Minister of Justice to the JFBA and bar associations. It defined the mission of attorneys as the protection of fundamental human rights and the realization of social justice. These concepts of self-regulation, protection of fundamental human rights, and achievement of social justice continue to be the core ideals under which attorneys operate today.

Objective 
As a source of protection of fundamental human rights and of realization of social justice (Article 2, Articles of Association of JFBA) to maintain the roll of attorneys (Article 8, Attorney Act), and in view of the purpose and duties of attorneys, to govern matters relating to the guidance, liaison and supervision of all attorneys and bar associations in order to maintain their dignity and improve and advance the work of attorneys. (Paragraph 2, Article 45, Attorney Act)