Tokyo-based electronics maker Anker Japan announced on October 21 that it will voluntarily recall approximately 520,000 units of its mobile battery and speaker products after internal investigations revealed a serious fire risk associated with defective lithium-ion battery cells.
The recall covers four specific product models sold by Anker Japan between December 2022 and October 2025, all of which are no longer being distributed or sold. The Japanese arm disclosed the figure of roughly 520,000 affected units in consultation with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).
According to Anker’s statement, the defect likely stems from “foreign substances” that entered the battery cells during manufacturing at a subcontractor’s facility, resulting in elevated electrical resistance and an increased risk of overheating or fire.
METI has requested that the company submit detailed reports on its manufacturing and quality control systems, as well as track the progress of the recall.
While the company did not specify the number of actual fire incidents tied to the affected models in Japan, the recall announcement comes amidst wider scrutiny over lithium-battery safety in portable electronics. Anker has previously conducted recalls in other markets linked to similar fire and burn hazards resulting from overheating lithium-ion cells.
Japanese consumers who purchased the affected units are being advised to stop using them and contact Anker Japan for instructions on returns or replacements. The company emphasized that the products are no longer sold and that unit-specific eligibility will be confirmed through serial number checks.
In its public advisory, Anker stated
“We have decided to initiate a voluntary recall for the four specified product models in order to safeguard customer safety and uphold product quality standards.”
The company added that it will coordinate with distributors and retailers to collect and dispose of the recalled units in accordance with accepted lithium-ion battery disposal protocols.
Industry analysts say that the recall underscores the vulnerability of high-capacity lithium-ion batteries in everyday consumer electronics, particularly when manufacturing defects or contaminants are present. The entry of foreign particles during the cell production process is known to increase risks by triggering internal short circuits or thermal runaway events, which can lead to fire or explosion. The Anker recall highlights how even reputable brands are facing such challenges.
For now, affected owners in Japan should immediately cease using the impacted units, register their product for the recall process, and follow Anker’s disposal and replacement instructions. As METI continues to review the firm’s devices, the broader electronics industry may face tighter oversight regarding lithium-battery manufacturing practices and post-market safety monitoring.
Consumers are reminded to check Anker’s online recall page, ensure their device’s model number and serial match the recall criteria, and handle any lithium-ion battery unit with caution, especially if signs of swelling, overheating, or damage appear.
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