January 21, 2026
Japan Fair Trade Commission
Main Comments Delivered at the Meeting between Experts and the JFTC
Today, I would like to talk about the meetings between experts and the JFTC held in eight cities across Japan in November and December last year.
The meetings with experts are held annually, providing an opportunity for the JFTC’s commissioners and secretary general to exchange opinions directly with experts in major cities across Japan. The objectives are to further deepen experts’ understanding of competition policy, including the implementation of the Antimonopoly Act, and to gain insights into the actual circumstances of each region, as well as to receive opinions and requests for the JFTC. These inputs are intended to support the effective implementation of the Antimonopoly Act and other related regulations in the future. At the regular press conference on October 22 last year, we announced that this event would be held in conjunction with the JFTC Day.
Now, I would like to introduce the main opinions and feedback we received from the experts.
We received many opinions on improving transactions of small and medium-sized enterprises.
With respect to efforts to achieve appropriate price pass-through, we received opinions emphasizing the need to further strengthen initiatives to ensure the realization of appropriate price pass-through throughout the entire supply chain. In addition, there were opinions on improving business practices in transactions not covered by the SME Transactions Act, as well as on ensuring fairness in transactions involving intellectual property and know-how, which are currently being discussed within the Study Group on Business Transactions. Furthermore, opinions were also expressed on the Act on Ensuring Proper Transactions Involving Specified Entrusted Business Operators, emphasizing the importance of awareness-raising activities for contracting parties.
Next, regarding the implementation of the Antimonopoly Act, we received opinions that deterrence should be enhanced by imposing heavier penalties on particularly serious cases of bid rigging and cartels.
In addition, regarding the Mobile Software Competition Act, which entered into effect in December last year, we received opinions emphasizing the need to provide information on its impact on consumers and to strengthen cooperation with overseas authorities.
Based on the various opinions expressed at the meetings, the JFTC will continue to take strict and effective measures against conduct violating the Antimonopoly Act and other related laws and regulations, while maintaining a fair and free competitive environment.
（Tentative translation）
