Tokyo Moves to Curb "KasuHara"

TOKYO, Apr 23 (NHK) - Tokyo Metropolitan Government officials say "customer harassment" of service staff and other workers is a growing problem across the capital.

They're considering an ordinance that would provide a clear definition of abusive and unreasonable demands in a bid to deter potential offenders.

An advisory panel of experts has provided the Tokyo government with a working definition of customer harassment. They say it includes "assault, intimidation and other unlawful acts, or unreasonable behavior -- such as verbal abuse and excessive demands -- that harm workplace environments."

The metropolitan government is also considering providing examples in guidelines to accompany the law.

One example would involve a situation where a confectioner puts the wrong name on a birthday cake. In this case, a demand for excessive compensation would amount to abusive behavior. Politely requesting a refund would not.


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