Published on 02/22/2006
Japanese consumers are in for a bad time. Buying and selling second-hand equipment is a norm for the Japanese, who take care of their electronics leaving them in good condition. Still, manufacturers aren't too crazy about the fact that this activity endangers profits, or rather stagnates it. To keep manufacturers happy, the Japanese government has passed a bill making all electronic goods sold before 2001 illegal on the second hand market. The government's excuse for the new ruling are security reasons on anything electronical. When in doubt, blame security issues.