Overview
- The Mie Prefectural Assembly voted unanimously on Friday, October 16 to approve the ordinance, which is scheduled to take effect on April 1, 2027.
- The ordinance defines “特定カスハラ” to include repeated demands for apologies or meetings, demands for money or goods, lewd conduct, stalking, and other acts that harm the work environment.
- Under the rule, a business that gathers evidence such as recordings files a complaint with a specialist review panel, the panel advises the governor, and the governor may issue a prohibition order against the offender.
- If a person disobeys a prohibition order the prefecture will refer the case to police and prosecutors, and a court conviction can carry up to ¥500,000 in fines or detention.
- Business groups and labor organizations have welcomed the expected deterrent effect, while consumer advocates and legal experts warn the law could chill legitimate complaints and invite legal challenges that others will watch closely.