In today’s globalized economy, it’s perfectly normal to be wearing shoes made in Malaysia, listening to an American pop star on a Korean smartphone while driving a German car fitted with Japanese tires. But how many times have you taken a good look to find out where those new jeans or those headphones you got for Christmas were really made?
Recently Japanese consumers have been discovering that some of their products are from “P.R.C.,” a country they had never heard of, and would like some answers on what appears to be a legal gray zone in product labeling regulations.

Foreign driver’s license conversion test passes plummet from over 90% to 33% in Japan
Japan’s EF English Proficiency Index rank drops for 11th straight year, hits lowest ever
KFC Japan opens a Christmas restaurant in Tokyo…but why???
7-Eleven pancakes become a hit with American tourists in Japan
Japanese government to make first change to romanization spelling rules since the 1950s
Is there demand for merch of our stylish reporter? Let’s find out with the Ikuna Acrylic Standee
Cup Noodle mystery meat instant rice returns to Japanese stores after a seven-year absence
Nintendo releases Metroid-shaped ice cube/cooking tray and Samus arm cannon pillow【Pics】
Japan considering raising international traveler departure tax even more than previously reported
Japanese government considering raising foreign resident visa renewal fees by 400 percent or more
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Yoshinoya adds first-ever chain-wide ramen with new beef and pork-broth noodle hot pot meals
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Shibuya’s Don Quijote?
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowd sizes in Nara?
Studio Ghibli stamps lift your spirits with motivational phrases from Totoro
New fish discovered and named “Vanderhorstia supersaiyan” for obvious reasons
Japanese town suing resident for being a jerk
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas goods and a rhinestone tumbler that costs 19,500 yen
Real-world Nausicaa Ghibli anime glider completes its final flight in Japan【Video】
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Unique inclined elevator in Japan leads to a town that inspired Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood?
The 10 best day trips from downtown Tokyo【Survey】
Naturally brown-haired Osaka student sues government for forcing her to dye her hair black
Tokyo hotel lets you make your stay a Sanrio one with special My Melody and Kuromi rooms【Pics】
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
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】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
J-pop mega star Ado reveals she’s been living in the U.S., may not understand language acquisition
Is there demand for merch of our stylish reporter? Let’s find out with the Ikuna Acrylic Standee
Cup Noodle mystery meat instant rice returns to Japanese stores after a seven-year absence
Nintendo releases Metroid-shaped ice cube/cooking tray and Samus arm cannon pillow【Pics】
Japan considering raising international traveler departure tax even more than previously reported
Japanese government considering raising foreign resident visa renewal fees by 400 percent or more
Starbucks Japan unveils new Sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2025
Japanese convenience store chain has beer and sake dispensers that few people know about
Chinese government’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning has heartwarming non-effect on Yokohama Chinatown
Miniature purikura photo booth from Japan lets you feel like a Japanese schoolgirl from the ’90s
Anime and video game backgrounds now free to download for video conference calls