April 2, 2025
Japan Fair Trade Commission
Today, I would like to explain the following matters: (1) April Recruitment of the JFTC and (2) Development of the Organizational Structure for the Digital Field.
April Recruitment of the JFTC
As you may know, the JFTC is actively pursuing various initiatives in response to rapid and irreversible economic and social changes, including the advancement of the digital economy. In addition, as Japan works to move beyond its prolonged economic stagnation and realize a virtuous cycle of growth and distribution, the JFTC is striving to improve the transaction environment across a wide range of sectors to ensure that appropriate distribution is achieved through well-functioning markets based on fair competition. To steadily carry out these initiatives, the JFTC is conducting recruitment activities in a strategic and ongoing manner. Our goal is to consistently secure a certain number of highly motivated individuals who share the JFTC’s mission and can be relied upon to perform their duties with strong commitment and dedication.
As of April 1, a total of 35 new officials joined the JFTC, including those assigned to regional offices. Of these, 29 were new graduates, while 6 had prior work experience at government agencies or other institutions.
At the induction ceremony held yesterday for newly hired officials, I addressed the following three key points:
1. As government employees, new officials are expected to serve the public as a whole. I emphasized the importance of recognizing their mission to ensure fair and free competition, and to contribute to shaping Japan’s future.
2.The General Secretariat of the JFTC is a team of professionals. I encouraged them to engage in continuous learning to develop and maintain a high level of expertise.
3.The General Secretariat operates as one unified team. To ensure smooth teamwork, I stressed the importance of actively communicating with colleagues and fostering good working relationships.
Seeing the enthusiasm on the faces of the newly hired officials, I have high hopes that they will make meaningful contributions as members of the JFTC in fulfilling our mission.
Development of the Organizational Structure for the Digital Field
Next, I would like to talk about the development of the organizational structure for the digital field.
The Act on Promotion of Competition for Specified Smartphone Software, commonly known as the Mobile Software Competition Act (the Act), was enacted in June last year. On December the same year, the provision related to the designation of providers subject to the Act came into effect in advance of full implementation, which is scheduled for completion by December this year. This Act is designed to enhance competition in the market for software essential to smartphone use—now a core part of daily life and economic activity. By ensuring security and other necessary protections, it aims to encourage innovation by a broad range of market participants. This, in turn, will give consumers access to a wider variety of services and allow them to enjoy the benefits of increased choice and diversity.
To ensure the swift and effective implementation of the Act, it is essential to maintain ongoing communication with designated providers and other relevant businesses, as well as close coordination with relevant ministries and agencies and foreign competition authorities. Furthermore, the Act is structured as a framework for encouraging improvements in business models through ongoing dialogue with designated providers. This requires continuous discussions and coordination on technical and specialized matters with those providers. In addition, if there is any suspicion of a violation of the Act, it is essential to enforce the law rigorously, including conducting necessary investigations without delay.
To that end, on April 1, we established the new positions of Director General for Digital and International Affairs and Counsellor (Digital Affairs). In addition, we have put in place the necessary organizational structure, including the required officials.
Going forward, under this new structure, we will steadily advance our efforts toward the full implementation of the Mobile Software Competition Act.
(Tentative translation)
