"Consumers, by definition, include us all."
In 1962, U.S. president John F. Kennedy had the foresight to deliver a Special Message to the Congress on Protecting the Consumer Interest. His speech was in many way visionary, discussing "consumers rights" and noting that "the march of technology - affecting, for example, the foods we eat, the medicines we take, and the many appliances we use in our homes - has increased the difficulties of the consumer along with his opportunities; and it has outmoded many of the old laws and regulations and made new legislation necessary."
Today, Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda announced the creation of a Consumers Agency to unify administrative functions in charge of consumer affairs in Japan:
"I would like the panel to work to create an organization...that can exercise powerful leadership from the position of consumers," Fukuda said. He told the panel that the proposed agency, which he described as "the control tower of the administration for consumer affairs," would be in charge of a broad range of issues related to consumer safety such as the safety of merchandise, financial deals and food, and appropriate product labeling.
Minister for consumer administration Fumio Kishida told reporters after the meeting that he would start drawing up a basic plan, including legislative measures, after the council's proposals are made public, according to NHK.
Not quite the visionary rethoric of JFK, but ok, a step in the right direction.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Party of Japan has been preparing its own bill, arguing that the government's plan will not fully ensure the agency's independence. Asahi notes that DPJ aims to create the post of a "consumer affairs ombudsman," who will be appointed by the Diet and have the power to instruct the Cabinet, ministries and companies to take measures to protect consumers.
Asahi: Consumer affairs agency to take off next year
Today, Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda announced the creation of a Consumers Agency to unify administrative functions in charge of consumer affairs in Japan:
"I would like the panel to work to create an organization...that can exercise powerful leadership from the position of consumers," Fukuda said. He told the panel that the proposed agency, which he described as "the control tower of the administration for consumer affairs," would be in charge of a broad range of issues related to consumer safety such as the safety of merchandise, financial deals and food, and appropriate product labeling.
Minister for consumer administration Fumio Kishida told reporters after the meeting that he would start drawing up a basic plan, including legislative measures, after the council's proposals are made public, according to NHK.
Not quite the visionary rethoric of JFK, but ok, a step in the right direction.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Party of Japan has been preparing its own bill, arguing that the government's plan will not fully ensure the agency's independence. Asahi notes that DPJ aims to create the post of a "consumer affairs ombudsman," who will be appointed by the Diet and have the power to instruct the Cabinet, ministries and companies to take measures to protect consumers.
Asahi: Consumer affairs agency to take off next year
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