The source, who requested anonymity pending an official statement, noted, "There are concerns that Amazon Japan is irrationally compelling sellers to lower their prices."
Amazon Japan has not yet responded to inquiries regarding the inspection. Additionally, Amazon may face an investigation by the European Union next year concerning potential favoritism towards its own branded products on its marketplace, as European antitrust regulators strengthen their case under new regulations, as reported by Reuters last week.
This is not the first time the Japanese regulator has scrutinized Amazon Japan; a raid occurred in March 2018 over allegations that the company required suppliers to absorb some costs associated with discounted sales on its platform. Subsequently, the authorities approved Amazon Japan's plan to enhance its business practices in September of that year.