[Periodic Survey] Examples of Advertising Content Potentially Violating Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act/Premiums and Representations Act (May 29, 2026)

REGAL CORE Co., Ltd. (Shibuya, Tokyo; President: Hayato Tanoue), a firm specializing in compliance checks for the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act, conducts regular surveys on the distribution of advertorials (landing pages) that may contain expressions violating laws such as the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act and the Premiums and Representations Act. We are reporting the results here. Survey Results: Following the previous survey, we confirmed the distribution of content in advertorials that is highly likely to be problematic under the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act and the Premiums and Representations Act. Details are summarized below along with specific examples. Survey Method: The survey period was from April 2026 to May 2026. The subjects were advertorials for advertising products distributed primarily through recommendation widgets on multiple selected web media. We reviewed and evaluated the promotional expressions based on the perspective of protecting users under the relevant laws. Detailed Findings: We have summarized some of the promotional expressions found in the advertorials during the survey period that are considered to be in violation of the law. Common problematic expressions include: For health foods, claims of medicinal efficacy (violating the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act), exaggerated advertising (Health Promotion Act), or misleading representations (Premiums and Representations Act), such as claims about specific body parts, weight loss, or male enhancement. For Foods with Function Claims, we found expressions that deviate from the notified scope or claim scientifically impossible effects. For cosmetics (including quasi-drugs), expressions exceeding the scope of efficacy, such as 'permanent hair removal level,' 'spots disappeared,' or 'wrinkles gone,' were frequently observed. For pharmaceutical products, expressions that mislead consumers into believing they can 'cure' conditions were also noted. Regardless of product category, claims guaranteeing efficacy or falsely implying government approval were identified. Additionally, infringements of publicity rights and aggressive weight-loss advertisements soliciting LINE registration were highlighted. Some businesses have already corrected the pointed-out expressions. We will continue to update the content as the situation changes. Since August 2022, we have been conducting continuous surveys while improving our methods and interpretations, and we will continue to report our findings.