#Japan #Tokyo #LIXIL #purification cartridges #counterfeits

LIXIL's Awareness Campaign on Counterfeit Water Purification Cartridges

On November 19, 2025, LIXIL Corporation held an event at Ariake Garden in Koto City, Tokyo, titled "Alert on Counterfeit and Imitation Water Purification Cartridges." The aim was to highlight the dangers of imitation products that falsely claim compatibility, which have been proliferating on major online marketplaces. The event focused on ensuring consumers access safe and reliable water by raising awareness about the quality of authentic products.

The Surge of Counterfeit Products

Recently, there has been a significant increase in the number of advanced imitation and low-quality compatible products in the market. A performance analysis conducted on various products labeled as “compatible” with LIXIL’s purification cartridges revealed that none of them met LIXIL’s quality standards. Alarmingly, some of these counterfeit items even used LIXIL’s trademark illegally, making it difficult for consumers to distinguish them from legitimate products. Unknowingly using such products poses substantial health risks, prompting LIXIL to take action by organizing this awareness campaign.

During the event, LIXIL showcased the company's achievements in water purification technology since the 1990s, emphasizing their commitment to providing consumers with safe drinking water. Welcoming the participation of guests such as Tii-Sensei, an active childcare advisor and educator, the event included a lively discussion on the dangers that counterfeit items may pose to children, emphasizing the importance of selecting authentic products.

Presentations on LIXIL's Water Purification Technology

The event began with a presentation by Kengo Matsuo, Head of Water Technology Japan's Faucet Division, who detailed LIXIL's extensive history in water purification. The company started its journey by exploring ways to purify pool water for safe drinking during disasters in the 1990s. This led to the development of novel filtration devices utilizing ceramics. By 1990, LIXIL began selling home-use water purifiers employing activated carbon technology. Their most innovative product, an “all-in-one water purification faucet,” which features an integrated cartridge, was launched in 2001. LIXIL has consistently advanced its technology to ensure delicious and safe water for consumers, collaborating with Suntory Food International to introduce a kitchen faucet that dispenses refreshing mineral-enriched water.

Analysis of Counterfeit Market Impact

Kazuhiko Sato from the Faucet Development Department explained the staggering reality of the counterfeit market. Investigations showed that approximately 600,000 counterfeit and substandard cartridges were purchased, leading to recent incidents where consumers unknowingly bought these products. Analysis of the 81 sampled products revealed that every one of them failed to meet LIXIL's established purification capabilities, with 11 explicitly identified as counterfeit by the unlawful use of LIXIL’s trademark.

Sato emphasized, "At first glance, many imitation products are indistinguishable from the originals. However, a detailed examination shows that authentic versions use ceramic material, while imitations may consist of inferior fabrics. This clearly highlights the risks involved in purchasing non-genuine products. Our genuine cartridges, produced with high-quality standards in Japan, are available only through our official LIXIL online store to ensure safety for our customers. We aim to raise awareness about the existence of these counterfeit items to guide consumers towards authentic, safe options."

Insights from Tii-Sensei on Child Safety

The conversation transitioned into an engaging exchange with Tii-Sensei, who shed light on the potential hazards of counterfeit products, especially in children’s items. In response to inquiries about recognizing genuine products, Tii-Sensei passionately stated, "Purchasing from official stores or authorized websites is the best assurance of quality. Since it can be challenging for families to differentiate between authentic and fake items, opting for trusted products is crucial for ensuring the safety of children."

Q&A Session: Addressing Parenting Concerns

An interactive Q&A session took place where Tii-Sensei answered various questions collected earlier. Topics included parenting challenges related to counterfeit toys, concerns regarding children's online activities, and strategies for promoting health and safety in an era of abundant information. Tii-Sensei shared valuable insights on managing expectations and navigating the complex world of child development.

For parents, understanding the risks associated with counterfeit products is vital. It’s essential not only to be aware of the implications of purchasing low-quality items but also to engage in open discussions about safety within the family unit. By fostering a secure environment, families can mitigate these risks effectively.

Conclusion of the Awareness Event

The campaign will continue as LIXIL is committed to protecting customer safety and trust in their water purification products by disseminating accurate information and ongoing alerts about counterfeit goods. Following the event, an interactive experience titled "Can You Spot the Differences!? - Safeguarding Home with Real Lifesavers!" will be held from November 19 to 23, where families can learn about home safety while engaging in fun activities to identify counterfeit items.

This initiative exemplifies LIXIL's dedication to not only enhancing the quality of life through superior products but also ensuring public safety through awareness and education. For more details about LIXIL's genuine purification cartridges and efforts to combat counterfeits, please visit their official online store.