In a significant crackdown on fraudulent health product marketing, the Osaka Prefectural Police have re-arrested Toshiaki Gojo (76), the representative of the health product sales company Merry Mart, along with two associates. The arrests stem from allegations that they sold unapproved health supplements, promoting them as capable of suppressing influenza and comparing their efficacy to that of cancer-fighting drugs. The police identified that the sales occurred in May of the previous year, targeting elderly women in Osaka, leading to the sale of 15 boxes of these unapproved products, amounting to over 290,000 yen.

The situation is further complicated by claims from one of the purchasers, who stated that she bought the supplement out of fear of cancer, following the death of a sibling from the disease. The police have described Merry Mart's marketing strategies as reflective of 'hypnotic sales tactics,' where they attracted elderly customers by advertising low-priced items to lure them into purchasing expensive unapproved supplements. This troubling trend raises serious concerns about the exploitation of vulnerable populations by predatory marketing practices.

In previous investigations, police had arrested Gojo and associates for violating laws related to direct sales practices, indicating a pattern of deceitful marketing methods. Further analysis revealed that Merry Mart had amassed around 12,000 'members' who had made purchases, generating approximately 1.85 billion yen in sales from February 2017 to August 2025. This case highlights the need for stringent regulations and enforcement to protect consumers from misleading health claims that can lead to financial losses and potential health risks.