In brief
Japan’s competition watchdog raided six ice‑creamer giants, including Meiji and Ezaki Glico, on suspicions they inflated prices beyond raw material costs. The firms allegedly raised their products by 5–10% repeatedly over the years, a claim supported by anonymous sources from NHK. The crackdown comes as Japan faces scorching temperatures, with the government that last year renamed 40°C hot days as "kokushobi". The companies have pledged cooperation with the Fair Trade Commission, while the investigation itself remains largely confidential. The move signals a renewed focus on consumer protection and anti‑cartel enforcement amid a hot summer.
In a sweeping move aimed at curbing alleged market dominance, Japan’s Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) conducted on‑site inspections of six major ice‑cream manufacturers, including Meiji, Morinaga Milk, Lotte, Morinaga, Ezaki Glico and Akagi Nyugyo, on Tuesday.
The inspections followed accusations that the firms were inflating their product prices far beyond the rise in raw‑material costs. According to NHK, anonymous sources report the brands raised ice‑cream prices several times by 5–10% over the years.
Japan’s summer has been blistering, with temperatures topping 40°C (104°F). To reflect the severity of these days, officials last year coined the term "kokushobi", meaning "cruelly hot", to describe such heat extremes.
In response to the investigation, all affected companies – from the venerable Meiji to the popular Hello Panda snack maker – issued statements pledging full cooperation with the Fair Trade Commission. Meiji said it takes the inspection seriously and will comply, while Ezaki Glico and Morinaga Milk reaffirmed they will respond in good faith.
While the JFTC has yet to release a formal statement about the probe, the move underscores Japan’s resolve to enforce competition law and protect consumers during a period of soaring temperatures and increased demand for frozen treats.
