Tokyo is aiming to become the first city in the country to enact an ordinance to prevent “customer harassment,” or “customer harassment,” which is a serious nuisance caused by customers to businesses and employees. While certain measures are necessary to create a safe workplace, consideration must also be given to ensuring that the legitimate rights of consumers are not compromised.
Repeated abusive language, forced to give money or dogeza… The damage caused by Kashara is widespread. In a survey of workers conducted by the federation, nearly 40% of respondents answered that “the number of incidents of harassment has increased” and “it has become more serious.”
There have been cases where employees have been forced to take sick leave or resigned, and stores have been forced to close.
The law clearly states that employers are obligated to prevent harassment, such as power harassment and sexual harassment. It is thought that countermeasures are progressing in the workplace and people’s perceptions are changing.
On the other hand, there is no similar provision in the law regarding Kashara. At best, the government has provided loose guidelines for business owners.
Tokyo is a hub of businesses and stores, and it is of great significance for the capital to be the first country to clearly state the responsibilities of consumers and business owners. There are also moves to create ordinances in Kuwana City, Mie Prefecture. I want this to be an opportunity for society to share the awareness that “kashara is not tolerated.”
The Tokyo metropolitan government’s “takidai” broadly defines harassment in its ordinances, and further specifies categories such as “coercive speech and behavior” and “restrictive behavior.” There will be no penalties.
It is difficult to draw the line between Kashara and I would like to request that the relevant acts be clearly indicated. Malicious violations can be dealt with through criminal penalties and civil compensation, so it is reasonable not to impose penalties. Disputes related to Kashara are expected to increase, and third-party organizations to resolve them will become important.
The challenge is to ensure that consumers with legitimate complaints are not discouraged or excluded by businesses. There is no end to product accidents and unscrupulous business practices, and it is natural for consumers to have doubts about quality, price, etc. Ordinances must not create a climate of disrespecting consumers.
Consumers also need to understand that we are living in a time when it is difficult to maintain the quality of products and services due to labor shortages.
In Japan, there used to be a strong tendency to believe that “customers are gods,” but in society, a citizen sometimes becomes a customer, and sometimes a businessman or worker. A distorted relationship in which one side is viewed as absolute is unfortunate for everyone. We want to build harmonious relationships by mutually respecting each other’s positions.
Tags: Editorial Tokyo establishes ordinance create society tolerate harassment Tokyo Shimbun TOKYO Web
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