Comics Grinder

According to a widely released press release by BC IWAKO USA, the sole American distributor of popular Japanese erasers, both Toys R Us and Walgreens are selling fake versions of these beloved toy items. These knock off versions are made in China which does not adhere to the same strict quality control of the genuine Japanese toy erasers.

As the press release states: “There are many counterfeit erasers made in China currently sold in the U.S., many using fake Japanese brand name, sellers falsely claim them to be made in Japan, the counterfeit erasers are generally sold in discount and dollar stores, all erasers sold in Toy R Us and Walgreen are also counterfeit Chinese made erasers. Consumers are advised to check the country of original on the packaging and compare the quality. Chinese counterfeit erasers can be dangerous to the children and to a store’s reputation, they do not use the same safety tested top grade materials and are made in very dirty factories which pollute the environments.”

What follows is the full BC IWAKO USA press release. What jumps out as newsworthy is BC IWAKO USA coming out and saying that there are counterfeit “Japanese”erasers currently sold that are made in China and use fake Japanese brand names. BC IWAKO USA goes on to say that all erasers being sold at Toys R Us and Walgreens are fake:

Suggested retail price is $1 each eraser. Online sellers, such as www.sausalitoferry.com sells full selections of all Japanese erasers. For inquiries, find a store near you or to buy online from online retailers, please visit Consumers/Collector website: www.iwakousa.com

Japanese Puzzle Erasers are eco-friendly, they are lead free, there is no phthalate nor latex, no paint, no PVC and non-toxic. Authentic Japanese erasers are made in Japan with strict Japanese quality control in environmentally friendly factories in energy saving production, not only the erasers are made with recyclable material, even the packaging is recyclable or recycled materials.

These erasers marked 87.7% in erase test, every corner of the eraser can be used as real eraser, effective to the last bit, the beauty is more than skin deep. They are also puzzles (Small parts, not for children under 8 years old.) The Japanese erasers are hand assembled one by one in Japan, parts of different colors can be taken apart and put them back together, it is a fun way to train children finger skill, association and relationship of varies objects and shapes.

There are currently 600 designs and colors of Japanese erasers, with new designs and new colors introduced every month. The eraser designs are in 5 categories, animal, food, toys, garden and Japanese lifestyle.

These are pretty much the only toys still made in Japan, there are only 2 remaining eraser factories in Japan, Iwako and TRC Zensinsyoji. In the United States, the official and general distribution of Japanese erasers is managed by BC USA, an American company specialized in Japanese toys and stationery products since 1977.

ASTRA (American Specialty Retailers Association) retailers have selected Japanese Mini collectable Eraser for ASTRA 2009 Best Toys For Kids list! Japanese Eraser won the SEAL OF EXCELLENCE AWARD (Kids Products category) by the Creative Kids Magazine and the proud recipient of Gold Medal for Best Japanese Product by the Japanese government.

There are many counterfeit erasers made in China currently sold in the U.S., many using fake Japanese brand name, sellers falsely claim them to be made in Japan, the counterfeit erasers are generally sold in discount and dollar stores, all erasers sold in Toy R Us and Walgreen are also counterfeit Chinese made erasers. Consumers are advised to check the country of original on the packaging and compare the quality. Chinese counterfeit erasers can be dangerous to the children and to a store’s reputation, they do not use the same safety tested top grade materials and are made in very dirty factories which pollute the environments.

We believe there is no compromise for safety, no substitute for quality and no shortcut taken. 100% made in Japan from concepts to designs, with premium Japan-only materials to environmentally friendly state of the art production, by meticulous skilled Japanese local workers in super clean facilities. We take pride in what we make and how we make it.