Major Japanese companies may halt the use of cotton from China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The firms are reviewing their supply chains amid allegations that the material is produced with forced labor.
Apparel company World is considering stopping the sale of items made with cotton from the Xinjiang region. World says the move is necessary to address human-rights issues.
Sporting-goods firm Mizuno is reviewing its supply chain, with an eye towards discontinuing the use of cotton products made in the region.
But the operator of Muji-brand household-goods stores plans to keep using Xinjiang cotton in its products. Ryohin Keikaku says a recent inspection found no major violations, including forced labor.
Allegations that ethnic Uyghur minorities in the Xinjiang region are being subjected to forced labor have drawn worldwide criticism. Beijing denies that the practice is taking place.
There have been boycotts in China of foreign brands that have come out against using Xinjiang cotton.
