I was pressured into a door-to-door sales contract. How can I cancel?

What the Law Says

Japan’s Act on Specified Commercial Transactions gives consumers special protection for unsolicited, in-person sales — like door-to-door contracts — where pressure or limited time may affect decision-making.

If you signed a contract during door-to-door sales (e.g., at your home or workplace), you have a legal right to cancel it without giving any reason. This is called the 'cooling-off' period.

The cancellation period starts the day you receive written notice of your cooling-off rights from the seller — and lasts exactly 8 days. If the notice is not given, or is incomplete, the period may be extended or remain open.

To cancel, you must send written notice (e.g., by certified mail) to the seller within those 8 days. Once sent, the contract is void from the beginning — you get full refunds, and the seller must collect any delivered goods at their expense.

Statutory Text

The consumer may cancel the contract by notifying the specific commercial transaction operator in writing within eight days from the day on which the consumer receives the written notice...

— Act on Specified Commercial Transactions, s. 31 — Cancellation of Door-to-Door Sales Contracts

Statutory Text

The cancellation shall take effect retroactively to the time when the contract was concluded.

— Act on Specified Commercial Transactions, s. 31 — Cancellation of Door-to-Door Sales Contracts

Statutory Text

The specific commercial transaction operator shall bear the costs necessary for the collection of the goods.

— Act on Specified Commercial Transactions, s. 31 — Cancellation of Door-to-Door Sales Contracts

What to Do

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