Living Guidebook for Foreign Nationals in Iwate

When Trouble Arises

Consumer Affairs

There is no end to the trade of cons selling counterfeit and sham goods at exorbitant prices. If many Japanese people are taken in by their smart talking, then it is all the more important that foreign nationals, who may not have the language or cultural skills to recognise a trickster, should be alert. Keep in mind that a friendly manner may be nothing more than a blind, and that a good story does not always have a happy ending.

Be alert, too, for misunderstandings. Consumer habits in Japan may be different from those in your home country, and confirm all the details of any transaction before completing it.

Japan’s “cooling-off period” system allows the consumer to cancel contracts made under duress or through misunderstanding.

[Cooling-Off Period System
(Example: Door-to-Door Sales)]

(1) The contract was not completed at a location other than the place of business.

(2) It is within 8 days of the exchange of contracts.

(3) The cost involved is over 3,000 yen.

(4) Products covered are those specified under Door-to-Door Sales and Internet Sales Law: 55 products, 17 services and 3 rights.

(5) The product has not been removed from its packaging and used.
Contract cancellation should be made with a clear declaration in writing of your intention to withdraw from the contract.
You can contact the Iwate Prefecture Citizens' Consumer Centre or the Regional Promotion Bureau (expect for Morioka) for advice about consumer problems and the cooling-off system.
Iwate Prefecture Citizens’ Consumer Centre (Chuo-dori 3-chome, Morioka) TEL: 019-624-2209