The National Consumer Affairs Center of Japan (NCAC), established as an independent administrative agency, works as a core consumer advocate organization in accordance with the Consumer Affairs Fundamental Act.

NCAC handles consumer issues in collaboration with the government and local consumer centers located throughout Japan. In order to prevent the occurrence of similar problems and to hold back the expansion of the existing problems, NCAC collects consumer related information from local consumer centers and other stakeholders. While responding to inquiries and complaints from consumers, NCAC is now also undertaking the newly established Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) procedures.

Other activities of NCAC include product testing and research and study focusing on controversial matters observed in people’s lives. The results and outcomes of these activities are frequently released through various media outlets for the purpose of providing support to individual consumers.

NCAC also provides training programs for consumer　counselors. From fiscal 2009, NCAC is strengthening its support for consumer counselors working in local consumer centers. For this purpose, experienced counselors are selected and dispatched to nationwide local consumer centers to provide effective instructions. Furthermore, NCAC enhances training programs targeting people aspiring to work as consumer counselors.

Outline of NCAC

　 Organaization Chart

Mission:

Provides information and conduct research and study concerning consumer affairs from a comprehensive perspective to create stable and improved people’s lives. NCAC also undertakes Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) procedures for important consumer conflict cases.

President:

Takashi Nakanomyo

Established:

October 1, 2003

Related law:

The Independent Administrative Agency National Consumer Affairs Center Law (NCAC Law)

(Law No. 123, December 4, 2002)

(Latest revision: Law No. 27, May 2, 2008)

Structure:

8 departments, 4 divisions, and 4 sections(April 2009)

Staff:

4 executives,2 statutory auditors, 122 staff members(April 2009)

Main Funding Sources:

National government, publishing, and training

Address:

・NCAC(Sagamihara)[map]

3-1-1 Yaei, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, 229-0029

Tel: +81-42-758-3161 (Reception)

・NCAC(Tokyo)[map]

3-13-22 Takanawa, Minato, Tokyo, 108-8602

Tel: +81-3-3443-6284 (Planning and Coordination Division)

Fax: +81-3-3443-6556 (Planning and Coordination Division)