Tokyo Passes Nation’s First Customer Harassment Ordinance

In a groundbreaking move aimed at protecting consumers, the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly has passed a new ordinance that specifically addresses customer harassment. This legislation marks a significant step forward in Japan’s efforts to combat a growing problem that has seen a surge in recent years.

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The ordinance defines customer harassment as any behavior that causes discomfort, distress, or fear to a consumer, including verbal abuse, physical threats, stalking, and online harassment. It also outlines specific actions that businesses are required to take to prevent and respond to such incidents.

Key provisions of the ordinance include:

• Clear definition of harassment: The ordinance provides a comprehensive definition of customer harassment, ensuring that businesses and consumers have a shared understanding of what constitutes unacceptable behavior.
• Mandated prevention measures: Businesses are required to implement measures to prevent customer harassment, such as training staff on how to identify and respond to incidents, and installing security cameras in relevant areas.
• Reporting requirements: Businesses must report incidents of customer harassment to the authorities and take appropriate steps to protect the safety and well-being of affected consumers.
• Compensation for victims: The ordinance allows victims of customer harassment to seek compensation from perpetrators and businesses that failed to take adequate precautions.

The passage of the Tokyo customer harassment ordinance is expected to set a precedent for other regions in Japan and potentially influence similar legislation in other countries. It is hoped that this new law will help to create a safer and more comfortable environment for consumers and businesses alike.