NEWSWORTHY
Japan's FTC mulls approval of precedent-setting merger of Nagasaki regional banks
The Fair Trade Commission is considering approving a long-discussed merger plan involving regional banks in Nagasaki Prefecture, according to informed sources. The plan involves Fukuoka Financial Group Inc., the parent of Sasebo-based Shinwa Bank, and Eighteenth Bank, based in the city of Nagasaki. In a proposal ...
KDDI to end four-year smartphone plan after watchdog flagged antitrust issue
Major mobile phone carrier KDDI Corp. plans to stop offering four-year smartphone payment plans after a government watchdog said last month the contract poses antitrust problems, a source close to the matter said Friday. The plans allow customers who agree to pay for smartphones over ...
Apple reviews iPhone contracts with Japan’s three major carriers after FTC raises antitrust concerns
The tech firm and its Japan arm have reviewed their delivery contracts after sources said the watchdog suspected they may have violated the country’s competition regulations.
Stroller-makers Combi and Aprica raided for alleged antitrust violation
The Fair Trade Commission on Wednesday searched the headquarters of major stroller and baby product-makers Aprica Children's Products G.K. and Combi Corp. for allegedly violating antitrust regulations. The companies are suspected of setting resale prices and instructing retailers through wholesalers not to sell below specified ...
FTC files criminal complaint against four Tokyo-Osaka maglev contractors over alleged bid-rigging
The Fair Trade Commission on Friday filed a criminal complaint against four major contractors for their alleged involvement in bid-rigging over contracts related to a Tokyo-Osaka maglev train link. The anti-monopoly body lodged the complaint with the prosecutor general, suspecting Obayashi Corp., Kajima Corp., Shimizu ...
Antitrust watchdog panel report may pave way for smoother transfers of celebrities and athletes
A draft report by Japan’s antitrust watchdog panel says excessive restrictions on artists in exclusive arrangements with entertainment agencies, and athletes, violate the antitrust law.
Airbnb's Japan unit denies violating antitrust laws after raid by FTC in October
Airbnb’s Japan arm reveals it was raided by the Fair Trade Commission last month but denies any wrongdoing.
The Fair Trade Commission plans to fine nine companies about ¥45 million in total over suspected bid-rigging for uniforms delivered to East Japan Railway Co. (JR East) or West Japan Railway Co. (JR West), informed sources said. The antitrust watchdog has informed the nine, which ...
FTC monopoly scrutiny seen thwarting moves by ailing regional banks to integrate
The Fair Trade Commission screenings under the nation's antimonopoly law have been standing in the way of regional banks' efforts to overcome their business slumps by getting together with rivals, forcing some to postpone integration. The Financial Services Agency, which has backed the banks' integration ...
Major department store chains raided over alleged price-fixing cartel
The Fair Trade Commission has searched major department store chains mostly in western Japan on suspicion they formed a price cartel to inflate shipping charges for their products. The FTC's inspections over the alleged price-fixing practice were conducted Wednesday at seven chains, including Osaka-based Takashimaya ...
FTC uncovers ties between farm ministry and suspected bid-riggers connected to 3/11 recovery
Former farm ministry officials were found to have landed jobs in firms suspected of involvement in bid-rigging cases connected to government soil cleaning projects in the disaster-hit Tohoku region, sources familiar with the matter say. The revelation came said Wednesday after the Fair Trade Commission ...
Regulator approves JX-TonenGeneral and Idemitsu-Showa Shell mergers
The Fair Trade Commission has approved the merger of Japan's largest oil refiner, JX Holdings Inc., and third-ranked TonenGeneral Sekiyu K.K. The commission also allowed Idemitsu Kosan Co., the second-biggest oil refiner, to buy shares in fifth-ranked Showa Shell from Royal Dutch Shell PLC. The ...
