Mobile battery fire risks in Japan

Japan’s Consumer Affairs Agency has reported serious fire incidents involving specific consumer electronics, including the Google Pixel 6a smartphone and Anker PowerCore 10000 mobile batteries. In one instance, a Pixel 6a experienced abnormal heating during charging, resulting in a fire that caused minor burns.

Anker Japan has expanded its recall efforts following a September 2 incident in Hyogo Prefecture, where a device inside a backpack caused damage to the bag and its surroundings. The recall targets approximately 401,771 units, specifically the ‘Anker Power Bank (10000mAh, 22.5W)’ (model A1257), alongside models A1647, A1642, and A1652. The company stated the risk of internal short-circuiting stems from a supplier using components that do not meet Anker’s quality standards. This recall also includes specific models distributed through Kawasaki City’s hometown tax donation program. As of late September 2026, the recall recovery rate has increased to 55.3%.

Following these incidents, a survey released by the Consumer Affairs Agency on September 17, 2026, examined consumer safety awareness regarding lithium-ion batteries. The survey of 5,000 participants found that while 84.5% were aware of fire risks, only 36.3% prioritized safety when purchasing mobile batteries, with 51.2% prioritizing price.

The agency also noted significant gaps in safety awareness among younger demographics and reported that only 7.6% of users check for product recall information. Data from NITE indicated that between 2020 and 2025, there were 1,860 reported fire accidents involving mobile batteries, with roughly 85% of those incidents escalating into actual fires. In response, the agency has issued public warnings and posters to promote safer usage and regular monitoring of recall notices.