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!
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Bamboo trees vandalized near Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari shrine, foreign graffiti prevalent
We revisited Sweets Paradise after a decade to see if Japan’s dessert buffet still delivers
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Bamboo trees vandalized near Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari shrine, foreign graffiti prevalent
We revisited Sweets Paradise after a decade to see if Japan’s dessert buffet still delivers
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
New Japanese menstrual product seeks to help women spot unidentified iron deficiencies
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
YouTube channel starring 71-year-old Korean grandma is a big hit 【Video】
Say hello to Japan’s new stationmaster cat!【Video】
Japanese company trips – Workers “absolutely hate” them, so why do they still happen?
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself
Hayao Miyazaki says Happy New Year to Studio Ghibli fans with new art for Year of the Horse
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
Top Japanese cosplayer Enako returns to Comiket after 6 years, creates mayhem with admirers
Cup Noodle tries an authentic Jiro-style ramen, but something’s not quite right
The best Starbucks Japan Frappuccinos we want to drink again in 2026
That time Seiji called JASRAC to ask why he didn’t get paid royalties for his song being on TV
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
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
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
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
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Human washing machine pods coming to Japanese hotels【Photos】
New Japanese menstrual product seeks to help women spot unidentified iron deficiencies
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
YouTube channel starring 71-year-old Korean grandma is a big hit 【Video】
Say hello to Japan’s new stationmaster cat!【Video】
Japanese company trips – Workers “absolutely hate” them, so why do they still happen?
Japanese school has ridiculous reason for not letting cold schoolgirl wear tights under her skirt
Video of foreign diplomat riding in Tokyo subway priority seat sparks manners debate【Video】
A trip to the other side of Matsushima, a mysterious power spot with an otherworldly atmosphere
Village Vanguard possibly tops its own record for most useless junk in a lucky bag this year
These are Osaka’s three best digital rail passes for travelers
300-year-old Tokyo comb company sells 30,000-yen wooden hair combs—Are they worth it?
We visit Kyoto’s monk bar for some spiritual spirits
Burgers soaked in a plate of hot cheese served at American Diner Andra in Tokyo
New app lets you traverse the streets of modern Tokyo and ancient Edo at the same time
Leave a Reply