Japan

• Pages: 1-112

CHAPTER 14

JAPAN

Japan-3

CONTENTS

A. OVERVIEW ............................................................................................................ 9

1. General Policies Underlying Competition Laws ......................................... 9

a. Introduction......................................................................................... 9

b. Principal Objectives ............................................................................ 9

(1) Protection of Competitive Process ............................................. 9

(2) Consumer Welfare .................................................................... 10

(3) Other Objectives ....................................................................... 10

c. Role of Economic Doctrine .............................................................. 11

2. Overview of Applicable Statutes ............................................................... 12

a. Statutes .............................................................................................. 12

b. Guidelines ......................................................................................... 14

3. Overview of Structure, Independence, and Jurisdiction of

Enforcement Agencies .............................................................................. 16

a. Structure of Enforcement Agency .................................................... 16

b. General Secretariat ............................................................................ 16

c. Powers of Enforcement ..................................................................... 16

4. Overview of Structure, Independence, and Jurisdiction of

Judicial Authorities ................................................................................... 17

a. Structure of Courts ............................................................................ 17

b. Judicial Independence ....................................................................... 18

c. Appointment of Judges ..................................................................... 18

d. Typical Background of the Judiciary ................................................ 18

5. Civil Litigation .......................................................................................... 18

a. Centralized System of Enforcement ................................................. 18

b. Cost and Time Considerations in Litigation ..................................... 19

c. Appeals of JFTC Decisions .............................................................. 20

B. SUBSTANTIVE LAW ............................................................................................ 20

1. Horizontal Agreements and Practices ....................................................... 20

a. Generally........................................................................................... 20

b. Cartel Enforcement ........................................................................... 22

(1) Agreements Covered ................................................................ 22

(a) Joint Action ....................................................................... 22

(b) Mutual Restraint ................................................................ 23

(c) Substantial Restraint of Competition ................................. 23

(d) Contrary to Public Interest ................................................. 24

(e) Non-Hardcore Cartels ........................................................ 24

(2) Enforcement Authorities .......................................................... 24

(3) Investigatory Procedures .......................................................... 25

(a) General .............................................................................. 25

(b) Dawn Raids ....................................................................... 27

(c) Compelled Testimony ....................................................... 27

(d) Compelled Production of Opinions or Reports ................. 28

(e) Wiretapping ....................................................................... 28

(4) Leniency Program .................................................................... 29

(5) Penalties ................................................................................... 30

(a) Generally ........................................................................... 30

(b) Cease and Desist Orders .................................................... 31