Japan to strengthen customer harassment protections in 2026

Japan is set to strengthen measures against customer harassment (kasuhara) starting October 1, 2026. Following amendments to the Act on Comprehensive Promotion of Labor Policies, employers will be required to implement specific guidelines to manage issues arising from the behavior of customers and other third parties in the workplace.

Required employer actions include clarifying company policies, establishing consultation systems, and ensuring rapid and appropriate responses to harassment incidents. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has issued new guidelines to ensure the effectiveness of these preventive measures to protect employees.