A recent survey of senior prefectural chapter officials in Japan revealed that 15 chapters of the CDP expressed opposition to a merger into the CRA. This number outweighs the seven chapters that showed support, while 25 chapters did not respond.

Officials in Japan's Fukuoka prefecture are facing scrutiny over expensive overseas 'research trips' to cities like Paris and London, including millions of yen in hotel upgrades, amid public frustration.

Consumer officials in Japan are urging caution as complaints regarding electricity and gas contracts continue almost 10 years after the country opened its utility markets to deregulation.