I heavily use my Japan-issued American Express Card (Green), simply because I have been totally impressed by the service I used to enjoy in the United States.

Now there's a return protection service in Japan, much in the same way there's one in the States. Just last week, I called the office in Tokyo to file a claim to return a portable dvd-player that I purchased about two months ago in Japan using the Japan-issued Amex card.

Much to my surprise, the rep declined to file a claim, based on the terms and conditions that exclude "audio and visual products," and she told me that she will send me the actual terms and conditions.

I received the terms and conditions today and the only reference I can find related to "audio and visual" is the following:

"オーデイオ、ビジュアル、およびパソコン等のソフトウエア，オンラインコンテンツ、書籍."

I find this to be the simple translation of the U.S. version that excludes "audiotapes; videotapes; computer software; firmware (such as
console games, Nintendo, etc.); maps; books of any kind."

In other words, softwares, but not hardwares.

Do you think my interpretation is correct? Or is Amex Japan more restrictive than the Amex U.S.?

Thanks in advance for any input.