TOKYO REPORT: Lithium-ion Battery Fires Spur Safety Concerns in Japan

Tokyo, Dec. 1 (Jiji Press)–Amid a summer of intense heat across many regions of Japan, fires linked to electric devices powered by lithium-ion batteries increased this year. With the arrival of winter, the use of electrically heated clothing and rechargeable hand warmers is expected to rise, meaning that everyday products pose fire risks throughout the year. Raising safety awareness remains a key challenge in preventing such accidents. According to the National Institute of Technology and Evaluation, lithium-ion batteries are vulnerable to heat and physical shock and can catch fire if subjected to strong external pressure. Overcharging and environmental factors, such as prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, increase the risk, while the use of cheap, low-quality products can further raise the likelihood of fire. The Consumer Affairs Agency reported about 2,350 battery-related incidents over the five years through fiscal 2024. By product type, smartphones accounted for the largest number, at around 350 cases, followed by mobile batteries and electric-assist bicycles, at about 300 cases each. This summer, there were also reports of handheld fans catching fire. There have also been a number of fires caused by recalled products, prompting the agency to launch a dedicated webpage on mobile batteries in October on its recall information site. The page lists the names of affected products and urges owners to stop using them immediately. The agency emphasizes the importance of checking recall information regularly, not only at the time of purchase. While calling on users to remain aware of potential product hazards, an agency official said, “We need to work steadily and continuously to raise awareness.” The agency plans to prioritize public outreach, including through leaflets and social media posts. Fires can break out not only during product use, but also in garbage trucks and at waste-processing facilities when lithium-ion batteries and products containing the batteries are mistakenly thrown out as regular trash. According to the Environment Ministry, 8,543 fires were reported during waste handling in fiscal 2023. Some of the incidents caused damage to garbage collection vehicles and forced processing facilities to shut down, ministry officials said. Lithium-ion batteries and any products containing them must be placed in transparent bags so the contents are clearly visible. They should then be either put out on waste collection days for noncombustibles or recyclables, or taken to designated battery collection boxes. Disposal methods differ by municipality, and many products have plastic exteriors, making it difficult for consumers to know how to sort them. “Proper disposal practices may not yet be firmly established,” a ministry official said. In response, the ministry in April requested that municipalities nationwide enforce more strictly the separate collection of all household lithium-ion batteries. Then in August, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry decided to add smartphones, mobile batteries and heated tobacco devices to the list of “designated recyclable products.” This change will require manufacturers and related businesses to collect and recycle these items starting in April next year. In October, the Environment Ministry, the Fire and Disaster Management Agency, the Consumer Affairs Agency and other relevant organizations set up a liaison council to coordinate accident prevention efforts. By the end of the year, they plan to compile a comprehensive package of what one ministry official describes as “effective measures” for battery collection and recycling. The package will aim to raise public awareness of the proper handling of lithium-ion batteries and promote steps to prevent related accidents. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]