公布をする

You use this phrase when talking about high-level rules. It’s a 'suru' verb, so it acts like an action. You’ll usually see it paired with words like 法律 (law), 条例 (ordinance), or 政令 (cabinet order). It’s not something you’ll say while buying milk. It’s something you’ll hear on the NHK evening news or read in a serious newspaper like the Nikkei. If you use it in casual conversation, people might think you've suddenly become a constitutional lawyer overnight!

Use this when you are discussing the legislative process or legal updates. It’s perfect for business meetings regarding compliance, law school discussions, or when explaining why a new tax is suddenly a thing. If you’re watching a historical drama and the Emperor is signing a document, that’s a prime 公布 moment. It’s the gold standard for 'official notification.'

Never use this for personal news. If you 'promulgate' that you’re going to the gym, your friends will think you’re being incredibly sarcastic or weirdly robotic. Avoid it for company-wide emails about the office microwave unless you’re trying to be funny. It’s strictly for government-level or high-authority regulations. Also, don't confuse it with 施行 (shikō), which is when the law actually starts being enforced.

In Japan, the Emperor performs the act of 公布 as a 'matter of state' under the Constitution. Even though he doesn't have political power, his seal makes the law official. This gives the word a very prestigious, almost sacred weight. Laws are typically published in the 官報 (Kanpō), the Official Gazette, which is like the government's official diary that nobody reads for fun but everyone respects.

You’ll often see 公布される (to be promulgated) in the passive voice because the law is the focus, not the person doing it. Another common one is 公布の日 (the date of promulgation), which is a vital date for lawyers to track. Sometimes people shorten it to just 公布 in headlines to save space, but をする adds that extra bit of formal action.