Core Functions of NCAC

1. Consultations

Providing consultation for consumers who have complaints about businesses (direct consultation)
Providing consultation for consultants who handle consumer complaints at local consumer affairs centers across Japan (referred consultation)
Providing consultation regarding cross-border transactions upon request from consumers and seeking solutions in cooperation with overseas partner organizations which concluded Memoranda of Understanding or Cooperation (MoU or MoC) with NCAC (CCJ: Cross-border Consumer Center Japan)
Providing telephone consultation for inbound tourists to Japan who have experienced consumer detriment while visiting Japan with use of interpretation service through a three-way call system (Consumer Hotline for Tourists)

Collecting and analyzing consumer complaint data using a database system called "PIO-NET" since 1984
PIO-NET data is utilized for alerting consumers and for the policymaking process, and is used as a reference at local consumer affairs centers across Japan

On behalf of local consumer affairs centers on request; and
In order to clarify the substantial problems of specific product groups, as well as to raise public awareness

Helping consumers understand consumer issues such as fraudulent business practices or potentially harmful consumer products by holding press conferences, publishing articles on the website, and releasing educational materials

Holding training sessions to enhance the competency of Consumer Affairs Consultants (CACs) and administrative staff at local consumer affairs centers and the like
Conducting qualification examinations for the CACs (national qualification) as a registered testing organization since FY2016

Conducting both mediation and arbitration, with either being available free of charge
The ADR procedure is enshrined in the NCAC Act
Anyone can apply for ADR, while many of the applicants are consumers who are not satisfied with the result of their consultation