Japan Launches November 'Shiwayose' Prevention Campaign to Protect Small Suppliers
Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, working with the Small and Medium Enterprise Agency and the Japan Fair Trade Commission, has declared November a campaign month to stop large companies from shifting the strain of their own work-style reforms onto smaller suppliers. During the month, the government will put up awareness posters, ask other ministries, prefectures and labour groups for help, and have prefectural Labour Bureaus visit companies that may be passing the burden on. The announcement was dated October 30, 2026.
What does it mean?
Big companies sometimes push the costs of their own shorter hours onto smaller suppliers, for example by demanding rushed orders without paying more. In November the government is pushing awareness on this, and labour bureaus will check on companies that may be doing it.
Who is affected?
Small and medium-sized businesses that supply or work with large companies, and large companies that place orders with them.