Published Aug 4, 2026 | 9 serious accidents reported under the Consumer Product Safety Act (fans, circulators, AC outdoor units, and more)
On August 4, 2026, Japan's Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) published 9 serious product accidents reported under Article 35(1) of the Consumer Product Safety Act. This batch centres on fires and related incidents involving electric fans. The products covered are: electric fans, a CD radio, connection cables for solar power systems, a charger with a built-in lithium battery, a circulator, an air conditioner (outdoor unit), a junction box for solar power systems, a rechargeable speaker, and a laptop PC. Individual case details, company names and model numbers are listed in the published PDF (242.7 KB). Publication does not mean a product defect has been confirmed — causes are subject to investigation.
Warning labels and recall notices in Japan are usually issued only in Japanese, so this information often does not reach foreign residents. People who buy a fan or circulator at a recycle shop or flea-market app soon after arriving, or who move into a furnished apartment, rarely know how old the appliance is. Photograph the rating plate (model number and year of manufacture) and search the CAA recall information site. In a fire, call 119; for product problems and consumer advice, the Consumer Hotline is 188.
Japan's NCAC announced on Aug 5, 2026 that FY2025 consultations to the Consumer Hotline for Tourists hit a record 698 (FY2024: 513) — 493 from visitors, 153 from foreign residents. Seven languages are supported via interpreters.
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.
On July 31, 2026, Japan's Consumer Affairs Agency disclosed 26 serious product accidents—fires and more—tied to lithium-battery chargers, cordless earbuds and rechargeable pressure washers, with recalls. Check if your device is affected and stop using it.