Japan FTC Issues Warning to Ski Lift Operator

On February 19, 2014, the Japan Fair Trade Commission (“JFTC”) issued a warning to Shigakogen Sakudou Kyoukai, the association of ski lift operators in the Shiga highlands area, over potential violations of regulations prohibiting substantial restraint of competition.

According to the JFTC, the association issued restricted special lift tickets to members of a particular ski resort, in addition to unilaterally determining the price of single fare tickets and school class tickets in the Shiga highlands area. The JFTC believes such an action restricted competition in the area regarding the sale of lift tickets, therefore warranting a warning.