Japan’s competition policy update: a path-dependent way forward

Abstract Japanese competition policy is examined focusing on abuse of superior bargaining position and the Subcontract Act which complements the Anti-Monopoly Act, in a historical context: laws and enforcement have evolved as the Japanese economy evolved. Most recently, the laws and enforcement are evolving in response to emergence of the digital economy. Specifically, the revision of the Subcontract Act and the two new complementary laws Freelance Act (covers gig-workers) and the Mobile Software Competition Act are discussed.