May 28, 2025
Japan Fair Trade Commission
Major Opinions Submitted by Antimonopoly Policy Cooperation Committee Member
Today, we published the major opinions submitted by Antimonopoly Policy Cooperation Committee members for FY2024, and I would like to briefly explain them.
Under the Antimonopoly Policy Cooperation Committee system, the JFTC appoints 150 experts from across Japan to serve as committee members and regularly solicits their views and requests concerning competition policy and our activities. In addition, senior officials from regional offices hold meetings with local chambers of commerce and other organizations to conduct similar hearings.
This publication was compiled based on opinions submitted by Antimonopoly Policy Cooperation Committee members as well as local chambers of commerce and other organizations. The document consists of a main text and an annex. The main text presents 31 selected opinions, while the annex includes other comments not featured in the main section.
Today, I would like to introduce some of the opinions included in the publication. First, regarding the improvement of commercial practices for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), we received the following comment:
-In the past, when we asked ordering parties to negotiate price increases for raw materials and other costs, we were sometimes threatened with termination of the business relationship. However, they are now more willing to engage in such negotiations. I believe the situation surrounding price pass-through has changed significantly.
Next, regarding market studies and recommendations for improving the competitive environment, we received the following comment:
-With respect to the content industry, including areas such as digital comics, animation, and screenwriting, we would like the JFTC to conduct a broad market study. Given the rapid changes in this industry, we also hope that follow-up studies will be conducted on previous market studies.
Lastly, regarding expectations for the JFTC’s role, we received the following comments:
-We hope the JFTC will strengthen its efforts to disseminate information on relevant laws and regulations. In particular, we would like to see more active communication when a new law is enacted, including both notice of its enforcement and clear explanations of its content.
-If major IT enterprises engage in unfair commercial practices that disregard the rules, we hope the JFTC will conduct thorough investigations and take strict measures when necessary.
-We also encourage the JFTC to continue investigating business practices that are difficult to detect and to publish cases, as this information can empower SMEs in their negotiations and dealings with large enterprises.
The above is some of the major opinions gathered in FY2024 through hearings with Antimonopoly Policy Cooperation Committee members and other local experts. The JFTC remains committed to actively incorporating the views and requests of these stakeholders into the effective implementation of future competition policy.
（Tentative translation）
