JapanWhat are consumer group lawsuits?
Consumer group lawsuits in Japan are lawsuits filed by qualified consumer organizations on behalf of multiple consumers to stop unfair business practices or seek injunctions — not monetary compensation.
What the Law Says
Japan’s Act on Special Measures Concerning Consumer Safety (Act No. 85 of 1996) authorizes qualified consumer groups to file lawsuits seeking injunctions against businesses engaging in unfair practices that harm consumers’ interests.
Only 'qualified consumer organizations' — certified by the Prime Minister — may file these lawsuits. To qualify, an organization must have at least five years of experience protecting consumer interests, maintain assets of at least ¥10 million, and meet strict governance standards.
These lawsuits are strictly for injunctive relief: stopping ongoing or imminent unfair acts (e.g., deceptive advertising, unsafe product distribution). They cannot seek damages or refunds for individual consumers.
Before filing, the organization must give the business at least 30 days’ written notice describing the alleged unfair act and requesting cessation.
Statutory TextA qualified consumer organization may file an action with the court to demand that a business operator cease an act which is likely to unfairly harm the interests of consumers.
— Act on Special Measures Concerning Consumer Safety, s. 12 — Injunctive Relief by Qualified Consumer Organizations
Statutory TextThe Prime Minister shall grant certification to a consumer organization… if it has engaged in activities for the protection of consumer interests for at least five years… and has assets of not less than ten million yen.
— Act on Special Measures Concerning Consumer Safety, s. 2 — Definition of Qualified Consumer Organization
What to Do
Confirm the organization is certified as 'qualified' by checking the Cabinet Office’s official list.
Gather evidence of the business’s unfair practice (e.g., misleading ads, hazardous products).
Send a formal 30-day notice to the business demanding cessation.
File the injunction lawsuit only in a district court with jurisdiction over the defendant’s principal office.
Do not seek damages — this type of suit is limited to stopping harmful conduct.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.