Overview

• The alleged reductions began in 2024 and involved private‑brand appliances such as washing machines and refrigerators.
• Payments to PB manufacturers were cut under labels like rebates or sales‑promotion fees, which regulators say cannot justify post‑agreement changes.
• Commissions paid to outsourced repair contractors were also reduced, with the total improper cuts estimated at more than ¥10 million.
• The SME Agency investigated the transactions and in July formally asked the JFTC to issue a corrective recommendation.
• Yodobashi says it is cooperating with the investigation, as regulators maintain sector‑wide scrutiny following earlier recommendations to Bic Camera and Nojima.