Multiple-Debt Consultation Enhancement Campaign 2026

The Multiple Debt Countermeasures Headquarters established within the Cabinet decided on the “Multiple Debt Problem Improvement Program” on April 20, 2007, to fundamentally resolve the multiple-debt problem, a serious social issue. The program compiled measures for borrowers, including the development of consultation counters. Based on this program, consultation counters have been developed by local governments and other organizations throughout Japan.

The campaign has been conducted every year since fiscal 2008 to raise awareness of consultation counters and identify potential consultees. The “Multiple-Debt Consultation Enhancement Campaign 2026” will likewise be conducted from September through December 2026 as part of these ongoing efforts.

The full enforcement of the revised Money Lending Business Act on June 18, 2010, was intended to curb the emergence of new multiple debtors through regulation of lenders. Although the multiple-debtor problem has shown signs of calming compared with the past since full enforcement, a considerable number of people with substantial outstanding borrowing are still said to exist, making it necessary to continue taking measures.

The campaign will be co-hosted by the Financial Services Agency, the Japan Federation of Bar Associations, the Japan Federation of Shihoshoshi Lawyers Associations, and the Japan Legal Support Center. The four organizing institutions will jointly call on prefectures and small and medium enterprise organizations. The campaign concerned is the “Multiple-Debt Consultation Enhancement Campaign 2026.”

During the campaign period, prefectures, the bar associations and shihoshoshi lawyer associations in those prefectures, small and medium enterprise organizations, and regional finance bureaus will jointly carry out initiatives. These initiatives target consumers and business operators and include free consultations and other services. They include extending the hours of permanent consultation counters and accepting consultations by telephone.

Small and medium enterprise organizations include chambers of commerce throughout Japan, societies of commerce and industry, and prefectural associations of small and medium enterprises. Telephone reception is available on weekdays from 10:00 to 17:00. The telephone number is 0570-016811, or 03-5251-6811 from an IP phone. General questions concerning financial administration and related matters are handled by the Financial Services User Consultation Room.