[Forwarded] Response from the Consumer Affairs Agency
Date/Time: March 27, 2025, 10:01
From: Shunsuke Kimura shukku9998@gmail.com
To: ATOMURA atomura.k-gs@nhk.or.jp
Mr. Atomura,
This is Kimura. Thank you as always.
Among the administrative reports I had previously informed you about, today I finally received a reply from the Consumer Affairs Agency (Whistleblower Contact Office), which had not responded until now.
In terms of content, although there is the limitation that “it does not fall under the protection scope of the Whistleblower Protection Act,” my report has been formally received and is being recorded and managed as “suspected information” of a system maintenance obligation violation.
It is uncertain whether this will lead to an investigation, but after being rejected at the gates of so many agencies, this reply feels like one small relief that my report has been at least “picked up within the system.”
I understand you are busy, but I am forwarding below the reply in case it may be of reference.
Thank you again for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Shunsuke Kimura
--------- Forwarded Message ---------From: Whistleblower g.koueki@caa.go.jp
Date: March 27, 2025 (Thu) 9:50
Subject: Regarding the information you provided to the Whistleblower Contact Office
To: shukku9998@gmail.com
Mr. Shunsuke Kimura
This is the Whistleblower Contact Office of the Consumer Affairs Agency.
Thank you very much for providing valuable information.
Regarding the content received through the Whistleblower Reporting Form at 15:43 on March 15, 2025, we hereby inform you that we accept it as a report to our office.
However, because facts related to the maintenance of internal reporting systems and other necessary measures do not fall under the “reportable facts” as defined in the Whistleblower Protection Act, protection under said Act will not apply against unfavorable treatment on the grounds of this report. Nevertheless, the report itself will be accepted by our office as suspected information of a system maintenance obligation violation.
We understand this point may be somewhat unclear, but we would appreciate your understanding.
Also, due to the need to secure confidentiality of administrative investigations, we cannot inform you whether or not an investigation has been initiated or its status. However, depending on additional fact-checking needs, you may be contacted by the relevant division in the future. In that case, we would appreciate your cooperation.
Furthermore, as there is a risk that the whistleblower or consultant may be identified, please be very careful with your own information management. At our office as well, we strictly manage confidentiality concerning whistleblower reports and consultations, and we exercise utmost care to prevent any leakage, so please rest assured on this point.
We appreciate your continued understanding and cooperation with consumer administration.
Consumer Affairs Agency
Whistleblower Contact Office
📘 OECD/UNCAC Legal Reference
- OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises
- Chapter II (General Policies): Enterprises and governments should ensure effective internal systems to support responsible conduct.
- Chapter III (Disclosure): Calls for transparency in company systems and reporting frameworks.
- Chapter IV (Human Rights): Failure to protect whistleblowers from retaliation undermines basic human rights obligations.
- UNCAC (United Nations Convention against Corruption)
- Article 13 (Participation of Society): Promotes enabling channels for the public to report misconduct and corruption.
- Article 33 (Protection of Reporting Persons): Encourages protection from unjustified treatment for those who report wrongdoing in good faith.
