OSAKA - Customs authorities in Osaka strengthened border controls on March 9th in response to a continued influx of counterfeit goods entering Japan, including fake merchandise linked to popular characters and events.
Osaka Customs designated the five days beginning March 9th as a special enforcement period targeting illegal imitation products. On the morning of March 9th, officials at Kansai Airport distributed warnings to travelers and other visitors, urging them not to purchase counterfeit goods through internet shopping sites or other channels.
Saori Kato reporting: "Rows of counterfeit items are lined up here. In 2025, fake versions of Myaku-Myaku have also been discovered."
According to Osaka Customs, the number of counterfeit items blocked from import last year reached about 9,600 cases, remaining above 9,000 for the fourth consecutive year and showing little sign of decline.
Officials say that in recent months they have also detected growing numbers of counterfeit three-dimensional character stickers, reflecting surging domestic demand for certain popular characters.
Approximately 90 percent of the counterfeit goods intercepted were exported from China, prompting customs authorities to intensify vigilance at Japan's borders.
Source: YOMIURI
