Overview of ACAP
The Association of Consumer Affairs Professionals
Message
On behalf of ACAP Japan, I want to express my appreciation for your kind invitation to join your group. As you know, due to globalization, consumer affairs is now a very complicated issue around the world. I hope that our participation will of great significance not only for consumers in Japan but also for consumers all over the world.
Kazuya KURAMOTO,
Chairman, ACAP
ACAP, established in 1980, is the Association for Consumer Affairs Professionals composed of regular members (individuals from companies) and supporting members (companies). Currently, we have 874 members and 565 companies actively participating.
Consumer affairs in Japan is now a complex and serious issue. Our mission is to improve the situation between consumers and companies through the following activities.
- consumer education
- providing effective speakers for seminars
- collecting accurate information about consumer affairs
- interaction with government and consumer organizations
- training, surveys, publications
- promoting national and international standards
We also have activities for ACAP members.
- monthly meetings ( with special guest speakers )
- study tours
- study meetings ( each group has its theme for example ' risk management ' or ' customer satisfaction ' and so on )
Our logo has a special meaning. Each of the rings indicates respectively consumers, government and companies. The 3 rings are joined together without any breaks.
Prime Minister FUKUDA is now planning to establish by next year a new government office to oversee consumer affairs. ACAP JAPAN will continue to support this project.
Declaration
The Role of the Consumer Affairs Department in the 21st century
The environment in which companies operate is changing rapidly. In these fast-changing times the company that ignores the consumer voice can no longer survive. The consumer affairs department must not only respond appropriately to consumer opinion but also ensure that such is reflected in the way the company conducts its business. It is the proactive, prompt and fair activities of the consumer affairs department that will lead to prosperity for the company, gain the trust of consumers, and contribute to the development of a better society. We, the consumer affairs department, therefore declare the following and will strive to realize each and every one.
- Article 1. We shall respond to enquiries and complaints from consumers quickly and fairly, and endeavour to maximize consumer satisfaction.
- Article 2. We shall report the opinions of consumers accurately throughout the company, and utilize such opinion in improving our products and services.
- Article 3. We shall sense changes in society, and provide information to senior management and other relevant departments.
- Article 5. We shall encourage the company to fulfil the expectations of, and gain the trust of society.
Article 4. We shall be aware that appropriate response to consumers is crucial to the survival of the company, and play a role in the establishment of management strategies.