June 3, 2026
Japan Fair Trade Commission
Major Opinions Submitted by Antimonopoly Policy Cooperation Committee Members in FY2025
Today, I would like to talk about one topic. We published today the major opinions submitted by Antimonopoly Policy Cooperation Committee members and others in FY2025, and I would like to briefly explain them.
The Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) appoints 150 experts from across Japan to serve as committee members and regularly solicits their views and requests concerning competition policy and the JFTC’s activities. In addition, senior officials from regional offices hold meetings with local chambers of commerce and other organizations to conduct similar hearings.
At the press conference on May 20, I introduced the “Meetings to Solicit Opinions from Antimonopoly Policy Cooperation Committee Members,” where JFTC Commissioners and other senior officials hear views directly from FY2026 Antimonopoly Policy Cooperation Committee members. The publication announced today, which is available in Japanese only, compiles opinions submitted in FY2025 by Antimonopoly Policy Cooperation Committee members, as well as by local chambers of commerce and other organizations, through various opportunities, including similar meetings held during the fiscal year. The document consists of a main text and an annex. The main text presents 24 selected opinions, while the annex also includes other major opinions organized by regional block.
Today, I would like to introduce some of the opinions included in the publication.
First, regarding enforcement of the Antimonopoly Act and other relevant laws, we received the following comment:
● Cases closely related to consumers’ daily lives, such as investigations into price-fixing cartels involving diesel fuel retailers, can provide an opportunity for consumers to see competition issues as matters that directly affect them.
Next, regarding the advancement of digitalization in the economy and the role of competition policy, we received the following comments:
Next, regarding the advancement of digitalization in the economy and the role of competition policy, we received the following comments:
● It is concerning that small software retailers across Japan appear to be in a position similar to “digital tenant farmers.” We hope the JFTC will closely examine the actual situation.
● In the field of generative AI application services, we hope the JFTC will closely monitor whether the existing monopolistic positions of digital platform operators are carried over into this field.
Lastly, regarding efforts to ensure fair transactions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), we received the following comments:
Lastly, regarding efforts to ensure fair transactions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), we received the following comments:
● We appreciate the JFTC’s efforts to ensure fair transactions, including its surveys on price pass-through. However, price pass-through for SMEs is still a work in progress, and we hope the JFTC will continue its efforts.
●The statutory prohibition under the SME Transactions Act on unilateral price determination by purchasers who refuse to engage in consultations has had a significant impact. We believe that this codification will lead to further improvements.
These are some of the major opinions gathered in FY2025 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）
These are some of the major opinions gathered in FY2025 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）
