The Japanese Consumer Affairs Agency announced on the 6th that it will impose measures on 'Clear,' a chain of esthetic salons operating in Japan, for violating the Specified Commercial Transaction Law. The agency found that the company had actively targeted students with insufficient knowledge and financial means, recruiting them for costly hair removal courses that cost around 500,000 yen. This practice raised concerns due to the students' inadequate understanding of the services and their financial capacity, as many earned less than 100,000 yen monthly through part-time work.

The violations included pressuring students during trial sessions to sign up for costly packages, often accompanied by claims of special promotions that made the offers seem attractive. One significant instance involved students being told they would not be understood by their parents, effectively discouraging them from seeking parental advice before signing contracts. This has raised alarms regarding the predatory tactics used to lure unknowing consumers into high-cost commitments.

From April 2023 to January 2026, consumer consultation centers reported 1,349 inquiries related to hair removal services from the company, with most complaints originating from individuals in their teens to twenties, highlighting this demographic's susceptibility to such aggressive marketing practices. The Consumer Affairs Agency advised potential clients to discuss significant financial commitments with guardians to ensure informed decision-making before engaging in similar services.