In one of the strangest stories we’ve come across so far this week – yes, stranger than exploding yogurt and ramen cake – reports are coming in of a number of Chinese-made irons that contain “mini microphones” and chips that can plant viruses in nearby computer equipment via home Wi-Fi networks.
We always knew ironing sucked, but this is ridiculous.
According to news outlets in Russia, batches of Chinese-made electrical appliances such as kettles and irons have been found to contain chips designed to spy on their owner and launch cyber attacks.
The story began when Russia’s state-owned TV channel Rossiya 24 released footage of a technician taking apart an ordinary-looking iron that came amongst a bunch of Chinese-made imports, showing what was referred to as a small microphone within it. The appliances were allegedly sent to St Petersburg earlier this month, and entire shipments are now being rejected.
The channel stated that the devices are capable of communicating with devices connected to unprotected wireless networks anywhere within 200m (around 650 feet) of the seemingly innocent home appliances, launching spam attacks and planting viruses. BBC News also reports that the programme found similar chips installed inside the likes of in-car cameras and mobile phones, all of which are thought to have been assembled in and shipped from neighbouring China.
Remember, kids, keep your clothes crinkled and your sensitive data safe!
McDonald’s and Gundam team up for customized anime mecha and fried chicken sandwiches[Video]
Mt. Fuji decorated with a 500,000-flower pink carpet is Japan’s ultimate spring view
New Travelling Bento pouches turn your luggage into a Japanese lunch box
New Japanese KitKats come in sakura flavour, with poetic symbolism for success
Foreign man arrested for walking on Shinkansen tracks, claims he was on the run from yakuza
McDonald’s and Gundam team up for customized anime mecha and fried chicken sandwiches[Video]
Mt. Fuji decorated with a 500,000-flower pink carpet is Japan’s ultimate spring view
New Travelling Bento pouches turn your luggage into a Japanese lunch box
New Japanese KitKats come in sakura flavour, with poetic symbolism for success
Foreign man arrested for walking on Shinkansen tracks, claims he was on the run from yakuza
Häagen-Dazs releases new Green Tea sandwich in Japan for a limited time
Expensive Japanese nail clippers: Are they worth it?
Foreign tourists in Japan will get free Shinkansen tickets to promote regional tourism
Warm, sweet gingery bubbles in a can: Our review of “Hot Ginger Ale”
One Piece creator has hidden secret of anime treasure’s identity in chest at bottom of real-world ocean
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Starbucks Japan closing only Shinkansen platform branch for popularity-triggered renovations
Two food hacks take Japan’s convenience store fried chicken to amazing new sandwich heights
You can assemble a well-balanced team of Pokémon, them eat them, thanks to Japanese cake chain
Tokyo turns its phone booths into free Wi-Fi hotspots, and here’s how to use them
Fading Tokyo – Searching for signs of the Showa era as local neighborhoods evolve[Photos]
Tokyo teahouse serves up a sakura matcha dessert you won’t find anywhere else
7-Eleven Japan’s new baked-in-store sweet treat is only available in three parts of the country
Man bites woman at cherry blossom park in Japan, dies shortly after
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Häagen-Dazs releases new Green Tea sandwich in Japan for a limited time
Expensive Japanese nail clippers: Are they worth it?
Foreign tourists in Japan will get free Shinkansen tickets to promote regional tourism
Warm, sweet gingery bubbles in a can: Our review of “Hot Ginger Ale”
One Piece creator has hidden secret of anime treasure’s identity in chest at bottom of real-world ocean
Japan now has stricter requirements for foreigners applying for citizenship
Family Mart unveils new Japanese bread that elevates convenience store food to mocchiri levels
Famous koi ponds overwhelmed with tourists throwing thousands of coins in them
Fake police phone scam also highlights dumb stereotype about how foreigners speak Japanese[Video]
How to make tuna sashimi HAM with less than a minute of work【SoraKitchen】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Pokémon beef bowl tie-up with Yoshinoya is back with a sequel and new species to catch
Man bites woman at cherry blossom park in Japan, dies shortly after
Ki&Ki: The new face of traditional Japanese music