Mie Prefecture enacts Japan’s first ordinance penalizing customer harassment

On Friday, the Mie Prefectural Assembly passed an ordinance aimed at penalizing customer harassment in the prefecture. The new law, set to become effective on April 1st next year, marks Japan's first such ordinance targeting customer misconduct towards employees. According to the prefectural government, this ordinance will be the first of its kind in the entire country.

Penalties for violators could include fines up to ¥500,000 ($3,110), detention, or a petty fine. The regulation applies to all businesses and entities within Mie Prefecture, including sole proprietors, local governments, and schools. These entities are encouraged to report cases to the governor if customers demand apologies, demand face-to-face meetings, or request money or goods.

Furthermore, customers engaging in persistent stalking behavior without a valid reason may also be subject to this ordinance. The governor has the authority to issue a prohibition order in cases deemed particularly severe, based on the opinions of an expert panel. Non-compliance with the governor's order could result in a criminal complaint being filed with investigative authorities.

Following the assembly's plenary session, Mie Governor Katsuyuki Ichimi stated that the deterrent effect of these penalties would be "very significant" and expressed hope that customer harassment would be significantly reduced in the prefecture.