26 serious accidents disclosed: chargers, earbuds, pressure washers and more
Under Article 35 of Japan's Consumer Product Safety Act, the Consumer Affairs Agency disclosed 26 serious product accidents on July 31, 2026. Affected items include Anker Japan lithium-battery chargers and rechargeable speakers, Sign House rechargeable pressure washers, Audio-Technica cordless earbuds (with mic, built-in lithium-ion), and grass-cutter chargers sold by Yamazen. All involved fires or similar incidents and are subject to recall (collection/replacement, some free of charge). The agency also warns about accidents from long-used electric fans.
Popular electronics brands sold widely in Japan are on the list, and foreign residents or travelers may be using these items at home or in accommodations. Recall notices are mainly issued in Japanese and are easy to miss; continued use of affected products can lead to fire. Manufacturer support may offer limited English, so note the product name and model number and contact the official recall page or retailer. Collection/replacement is generally free, and acting early keeps you safe.
After the 2026 Kumamoto earthquake, the FSA warns of donation-related scams via phone, email, and SNS. Always verify recipient accounts before transferring money, and report suspicious contacts to police or the FSA hotline to protect yourself.
If your home was damaged in the Reiwa 8 Kumamoto earthquake, you can apply online for a disaster (rishou) certificate via Mynaportal. It is required for various victim support programs and is available to foreign residents too.
From May 2026 meter reading, the renewable energy surcharge rises from ¥3.98 to ¥4.18/kWh. ~¥52/month more for 260kWh usage. Winter heating costs increase further. Electricity bills have been rising continuously since 2024.