Can a small shop in Japan sue for damages if suppliers fixed prices on wholesale goods?

Thank you for your inquiry. In Japan, price-fixing between wholesalers may constitute a violation of the Antimonopoly Act, which is enforced by the Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC). Key evidence typically includes invoices or contracts showing identical or parallel pricing and discounts over time, records demonstrating a lack of independent price changes, and any communications or market information suggesting coordination between suppliers. Your two years of invoices could be an important starting point, especially if they show consistent alignment that cannot be explained by market forces alone.

The usual process begins with a legal assessment of the evidence, followed by either a complaint to the JFTC or a private damages claim once an infringement is established. JFTC investigations can take one to several years depending on complexity, and compensation claims generally follow a formal finding of violation, although in some cases civil actions may proceed in parallel. If you wish, we can review your documents to assess the strength of the evidence and discuss the most effective strategy, expected timelines, and potential recovery.

Sincerely,

Ascendance International Consulting