Revised Power Harassment Prevention Guidelines Effective October 2026

In response to growing concerns about harassment in the workplace, the Crea Human Resources Development Association, based in Chiyoda, Tokyo, has announced the revision of the Power Harassment Prevention Guidelines, which will come into effect on October 1, 2026. These guidelines aim to address new compliance requirements and provide practical responses for companies navigating these pressing issues.

Significant Updates in the Guidelines

The updated guidelines emphasize two crucial elements: the forced purchase of company products, commonly referred to as 'self-exploding sales,' and harassment related to sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI harassment). Previously, employees pressing others to buy their company's products or services to meet sales targets was an area of concern. The revised guidelines now explicitly categorize such behavior as power harassment, announcing it as “actions that exceed what is deemed necessary and appropriate for business.”

Additionally, the guidelines recognize actions that compel employees to disclose their sexual orientation or gender identity without their consent, or actions that prevent them from disclosing such information, as forms of harassment that violate personal dignity.

Additional Resources for Stakeholders

To assist media representatives and corporate stakeholders in understanding these changes, the association has published a summary video on YouTube. This video offers a concise overview of the guidelines, allowing viewers to quickly grasp essential points surrounding the new regulations.

Individual Q&A Session for Media and Companies

For those seeking deeper insights into this topic, an individual Q&A session is scheduled where questions can be addressed directly by the association's specialized labor and social security attorneys.

- Date: July 16, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM (timing can be adjusted as this will be a one-on-one engagement)
- Format: Either via phone or online
- Target Audience: Media personnel and corporate representatives
- Cost: Free of charge
- Registration: Interested parties should reach out to the administrative office via email at [email protected].

Anticipated Questions Addressed

In this session, questions like the following will be answered:

- What specific behaviors might be classified as unacceptable under the revised Power Harassment Prevention Guidelines?
- How can employees differentiate between making a request to achieve sales goals versus engaging in power harassment through forced purchase tactics?
- What essential legal considerations should be taken during interviews or onboarding to prevent SOGI harassment?
- How should existing employment policies and harassment prevention regulations be updated to comply with these new changes?
- What training materials should be offered to internal consultation desk staff regarding the new harassment classifications?

About the Speaker

Jun Ono, a certified labor and social security specialist, has conducted over 400 trainings on harassment and labor issues for various corporate and educational institutions. He is renowned for his practical approach, focusing on how to effectively implement legal concepts in the workplace.

About Crea Human Resources Development Association

Founded in 2023 as a group company of SA Corporation, the Crea Human Resources Development Association specializes in training and certification focused on employment, labor, and harassment prevention. With over 750 certified 'Clean Employment Planners' across various sectors, including corporations, government agencies, and educational institutions, they actively promote upholding workplace standards. For more information, visit their official website here.