Key Facts
• October 22: Tokyo police searched ‘Moumuri’ operator Albatross and two law firms.
• Allegation: CEO Tanimoto referred clients to lawyers for fees without legal qualifications.
• Law prohibits non-lawyers from brokering legal services for profit.
• Albatross claims over 40,000 successful resignations since March 2022.
• Resignation services cost $135–$200, with over 100 providers nationwide.
• 16.6% of job changers used such services in the past year, per MyNavi survey.
• ‘Moumuri’ advertised compliance with laws under lawyer supervision.
• Police are reviewing seized materials to determine criminal liability.
Summary
Tokyo police are investigating Albatross, operator of the ‘Moumuri’ resignation service, for allegedly referring clients to lawyers for fees without proper qualifications, violating Japan’s attorney law. Searches were conducted at the company’s headquarters and two law firms. Albatross, which claims over 40,000 successful resignations since 2022, advertises legal compliance under lawyer supervision. Resignation services, popular among younger generations, aim to reduce stress during job transitions. Nationwide, over 100 providers offer such services, typically costing $135–$200. A MyNavi survey revealed 16.6% of job changers used these services in the past year. Authorities are examining seized evidence to assess potential criminal charges.
