The Consumer Agency, which was inaugurated Sept. 1, is in a state of confusion — for which Prime Minister Taro Aso is solely to blame. He was obsessed with the idea of starting the agency on Sept. 1, about a month earlier than planned. Now, the lack of sufficient preparation is apparent.
All information related to problems affecting consumers is to be collected by the agency, which will then make recommendations to the ministries concerned. It is empowered to handle consumer-related problems not covered under existing laws.
Some 350 consumer service centers across Japan, run by local governments, were to serve as the agency's eyes and ears. But many areas don't have the centers yet due to local governments' financial difficulties. In addition, the working conditions of consumer life counselors employed at the centers are poor. Most are not permanent workers and have low salaries.