When using the internet on smartphones and other devices, various online advertisements catch your eye.
Online advertisements read your browsing history and the sites you usually visit, presenting the most suitable information for you. As a result, they can feel very appealing. However, have you ever noticed that there is information that is disadvantageous to you (the consumer) when you take a closer look?
Noticing it is still a good thing; there are cases where you might not notice it at all. In such cases, you may feel regret after signing a contract. "Why didn't I notice it back then...?"
On January 24, 2026 (Saturday), at Geibunkan Hall Annex, the seminar titled "~Consumer Seminar to Protect You~ How to Relate to Online Advertisements with Peace of Mind!" will be held, which is a free seminar where you can discover your "consumer power."
I have asked the organizers for detailed information, so let me introduce it.
What is the "~Consumer Seminar to Protect You~ How to Relate to Online Advertisements with Peace of Mind!"?
The "~Consumer Seminar to Protect You~ How to Relate to Online Advertisements with Peace of Mind!" will be held on January 24, 2026 (Saturday) in Conference Room 202 of Geibunkan Hall Annex, and it is a free seminar.
This seminar is part of the Consumer Affairs Agency's project to improve awareness of the activities of qualified consumer organizations and the system of injunctions.
What are Qualified Consumer Organizations and Specific Qualified Consumer Organizations?
Organizations recognized by the Prime Minister of Japan as having the necessary qualifications to exercise the right to seek injunctions to protect the interests of unspecified and numerous consumers.
What is an "Injunction Request"?
A system that allows qualified consumer organizations to demand that businesses cease unfair practices such as "unjust solicitation," "unjust contract terms," and "unjust representations."Source: Consumer Affairs Agency | We Protect Your Assets: Consumer Organization Litigation System
About the Seminar Content
The seminar consists of the following three parts.
- Exhibition of Qualified Consumer Organization Activities / Online Advertisement Check Quiz
- Lecture - ~Consumer Seminar to Protect You~
- Consumer Trouble Consultation (30 minutes per person, free, first 8 people, reservation required)
The lecturer for the lecture is Yuri Harada, a director of the general incorporated association EC Network. The venue can accommodate 60 people, and online participation is available for up to 300 people.
How to Apply
To participate in the seminar, registration is required, and the application methods are as follows.
- Send via the Participation Application Form
- Send the FAX application form
About Consumer Network Okayama
The seminar is organized by the qualified consumer organization in Okayama Prefecture, Consumer Network Okayama.
It is a non-profit organization established on June 6, 2007, aiming to become a qualified consumer organization. Since its establishment, it has engaged in activities such as:
- Conducting consumer consultation sessions
- Requesting improvements regarding unfair contract terms from businesses
- Awareness-raising activities to prevent consumer damage, etc.
Moreover, it was recognized for its continuous activities to protect the interests of unspecified consumers (acts to protect and support the rights and dignity of vulnerable individuals such as the elderly and disabled), and on December 8, 2015, it was certified by the Cabinet Office as the 13th qualified consumer organization in Japan.
I spoke with the chairperson, Hidemasa Kawada, a lawyer, and the secretary-general about the seminar "~Consumer Seminar to Protect You~ How to Relate to Online Advertisements with Peace of Mind!".
Interview with the Chairperson and Secretary-General of Consumer Network Okayama
Can you tell us about the background of the seminar?
Kawada (no honorifics)
The consumer organization litigation system is an important system aimed at preventing and remedying consumer damage.
However, the awareness of this system is very low, and since it is not included in the subjects of the bar exam, many lawyers are often unaware of it.
Secretary-General
Despite being a familiar issue for ordinary consumers, the existence of the system is not known.
There are a certain number of malicious businesses that go beyond ordinary promotional activities.
We wanted to prevent damage from these and hope for a society where consumers can stand on equal footing with those businesses to choose various products and services, which is why we planned this seminar.
Can you tell us the key points and highlights of the seminar?
Secretary-General
We will introduce actual consumer trouble cases, such as dark patterns.
Dark Patterns
Techniques that use the design, advertising, and mechanisms of websites and apps to lead consumers to make unintended disadvantageous choices (unnecessary expenses, unnecessary information disclosure, unwanted contracts, etc.)
In addition, the lecture will clearly explain points to be cautious of when using the internet, basic knowledge and manners as a consumer, and more.
Who would you like to attend the seminar?
Kawada
You might think it is aimed at younger people who are not familiar with contracts, but I would like all people (consumers) of all ages to attend.
When using the internet, things that you are interested in appear on the screen, right? Dark patterns lurk in these.
Also, those who are interested in preventing consumer damage are welcome.
What do you want participants to feel through the seminar?
Secretary-General
In fact, only 8.7% of those who have suffered consumer damage contact consumer centers (2021 Consumer Awareness Basic Survey: Consumer Affairs Agency). This number shows that many more people are experiencing troubles.
For example, in the case of the lawsuit against the health food sales business "GRACE," the number of consultations received by consumer centers nationwide was about 1,549 over three years.
Based on this, if we calculate (1,549 cases ÷ 8.7%), it can be estimated that there are approximately 17,800 cases of damage.
Consumers often think, "It's my fault for not reading the contract" or "It's my fault for not noticing," and they end up resolving it themselves.
Many consumer damages do not surface and end up being cases of silent suffering. Through the seminar, I hope participants will gain the awareness that "This seems strange."
Please give a message to the readers.
Kawada
Through this seminar, I hope to cultivate a sense of "something seems off."
When looking at written contract terms, you might feel it's a hassle to read and just accept it as is. I believe that having the sense to pause and think, "This really seems strange," is very important.
Secretary-General
Since it is not reported in the media and does not make it to internet news, many damages occur where we consumers do not notice. Money that should not have been paid could have been used to buy products and services from businesses that are genuinely making an effort, and it would have been better for the local economy as well.
With this in mind, we are active, and I hope that through this seminar, you will gain knowledge and provide information so that when you think, "This seems strange," Consumer Network Okayama, as a qualified consumer organization, can make an injunction request.
Please come to the seminar.
Conclusion
Embarrassingly, I did not know about "qualified consumer organizations" or "injunction requests" until I conducted this interview. However, what I felt after learning about them was, "How reassuring it is."
At the moment you see an advertisement, you might think, "This product is right for me," and impulsively apply for it. In most cases, you don't even read the detailed contract terms... Even if you realize it after signing, it's too late.
In such cases, being able to provide information is a great help.
The seminar will offer various knowledge. Why not take this opportunity to learn about "qualified consumer organizations" and "injunction requests"?
Data on "~Consumer Seminar to Protect You~ How to Relate to Online Advertisements with Peace of Mind!"
| Name | ~Consumer Seminar to Protect You~ How to Relate to Online Advertisements with Peace of Mind! |
|---|---|
| Date | January 24, 2026 (Saturday) from 12:00 PM to 4:10 PM |
| Location | 1-18-1 Chuo, Kurashiki City |
| Participation Fee (Tax Included) | Free |
| Website | Consumer Network Okayama |
