JapanI was rushed into buying. Can I cancel?
Yes, you may cancel certain contracts made under high-pressure sales tactics within 8 days under Japan’s Act on Specified Commercial Transactions.
What the Law Says
Japan’s consumer protection law gives buyers a cooling-off period to cancel certain types of high-pressure or unsolicited sales.
The Act on Specified Commercial Transactions (ASCT) protects consumers from aggressive or misleading sales practices. It applies to specific types of transactions where the seller initiates contact — such as door-to-door sales, telemarketing, online solicitation, and visits to hotels or restaurants — and the buyer agrees without time to consider.
If the seller fails to provide required written notice of cancellation rights at the time of contract, the cancellation period does not start until that notice is properly delivered. Once notice is given, the buyer has 8 days to cancel in writing.
Upon valid cancellation, the seller must refund all payments within 10 days. If the seller refuses or delays, they may be ordered to pay up to ¥10,000 as a penalty — unless they prove the delay was not due to negligence.
Statutory TextThe consumer may cancel the contract by notifying the business operator in writing within eight days from the day following the day on which the consumer receives the written notice.
— Act on Specified Commercial Transactions, s. 9 — Cancellation of Contracts
Statutory TextIf the business operator fails to make the refund within ten days… the business operator shall pay a sum not exceeding one hundred thousand yen as a penalty.
— Act on Specified Commercial Transactions, s. 12 — Penalty for Failure to Refund
What to Do
Check whether your purchase falls under 'specified commercial transactions' (e.g., door-to-door, telemarketing, online solicitation).
Confirm whether you received the required written notice of cancellation rights — if not, the 8-day period hasn’t started yet.
Send a written cancellation notice (email or registered mail) within 8 days of receiving the notice.
Keep proof of sending and request full refund; if denied or delayed beyond 10 days, you may claim up to ¥10,000 penalty.
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.