This research proposes a novel framework to reduce the investigative burden on governmental agencies such as the Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) by leveraging permissioned blockchain technology. In current antitrust enforcement, regulatory bodies must expend significant resources to collect, verify, and analyze transaction-level data, often encountering delays, information asymmetries, and strategic non-disclosure by firms. To address this, I propose the creation of a closed, consortium-based blockchain network that securely stores real-time transactional and business information from participating firms. The proposed system would operate under a legal framework that mandates or incentivizes firms—particularly those in dominant or gatekeeping positions—to record key business data on the blockchain. Access to this data would be strictly controlled, with governmental authorities granted conditional access upon meeting legal thresholds of suspicion or initiating formal investigations. This design ensures due process and protects firms’ confidential information while enabling prompt, verifiable, and tamper-resistant access to historical data when needed. By shifting the evidentiary focus from post-hoc data gathering to preemptive, verifiable data recording, this framework could enhance both the speed and accuracy of competition law enforcement. The study explores the technical, legal, and institutional implications of this proposal and evaluates its potential for implementation within Japan’s legal system. Ultimately, this research contributes to a broader discussion on how digital infrastructure can improve regulatory efficiency and accountability in complex, data-driven markets.

Authors:
Sei Shishido, Seikei University, Japan

About the Presenter(s)
Sei Shishido is an Associate Professor at Seikei University, specializing in competition law and digital regulation. His research focuses on antitrust in digital markets, and he is currently writing a book on Japanese competition policy and case stud

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/seishishido/

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