Announced Aug 5, 2026 — FY2025 results from the 7-language hotline
On August 5, 2026, Japan's National Consumer Affairs Center (NCAC) released the FY2025 figures for the Consumer Hotline for Tourists. Consultations totaled 698 cases in FY2025, surpassing the previous record of 513 cases in FY2024 and reaching an all-time high. The breakdown: 493 cases from visiting foreign consumers, 153 from foreign residents in Japan, 33 from foreign nationals and Japanese nationals living overseas, and 19 classified as other or unknown. The hotline launched in December 2018 and accepts consultations in seven languages via interpretation services: English, Chinese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese, French, and Japanese.
The record number of consultations shows that both visitors and foreign residents are increasingly running into consumer trouble in Japan. The key point is that you can use an official public consultation service in your own language even if you are not confident in Japanese. The hotline covers seven languages through interpretation, and in FY2025 it received not only 493 cases from visitors but also 153 from foreign residents. Rather than giving up on a problem, contacting an official window is the first step toward a resolution.
After the 2026 Kumamoto earthquake, the FSA warns of donation-related scams via phone, email, and SNS. Always verify recipient accounts before transferring money, and report suspicious contacts to police or the FSA hotline to protect yourself.
On July 31, 2026, Japan's Consumer Affairs Agency disclosed 26 serious product accidents—fires and more—tied to lithium-battery chargers, cordless earbuds and rechargeable pressure washers, with recalls. Check if your device is affected and stop using it.
If your home was damaged in the Reiwa 8 Kumamoto earthquake, you can apply online for a disaster (rishou) certificate via Mynaportal. It is required for various victim support programs and is available to foreign residents too.