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#36

What to Know about-Tokyo Customer Harassment Prevention Ordinance

by Merch C.

Customer harassment, known as "kasu-hara" in Japan, has become a significant issue in Tokyo and other parts of the country. This type of harassment includes behaviors such as shouting at or physically intimidating service workers, making unreasonable demands, and even threatening to spread negative information about employees on social media.

To address this, the Tokyo metropolitan assembly passed Japan's first ordinance aimed at preventing customer harassment on October 4, 2024. This ordinance, which will take effect in April 2025, defines customer harassment as "severe disruptive behavior by customers or others toward workers in relation to their duties, which harms the working environment". It applies to both private companies and public institutions and outlines the responsibilities of customers, workers, companies, and the Tokyo metropolitan government in preventing such harassment.

The ordinance does not include penalties for violators but aims to raise awareness and foster a culture of respect towards service workers. Other regions in Japan, such as Hokkaido, Saitama, and Mie prefectures, are also considering similar measures.

It's a positive step towards ensuring a safer and more respectful working environment for service workers. How do you feel about these new measures?

Posted : 18 March 2025