Original Source
Beware of Fake 'Janome Mini Sewing Machine' Ads on Social Media
Spread of Fake Advertisements and Their Content
Recently, a fake advertisement for a 'Janome Mini Sewing Machine limited-time sale' has been circulating on social media, claiming to be part of the 'Japan Hobby Show 2026 50th Anniversary'. This ad falsely states that Janome, a long-established sewing machine manufacturer, is collaborating with a handmade event to sell high-end sewing machines for less than half price, around 20,000 yen. However, the advertisement contains unnatural Japanese phrasing, such as mispronouncing 'ima' (now) as 'kon', and the information does not match actual product details.
Warnings from Janome and Japan Hobby Show
Both Janome and the organizers of the Japan Hobby Show have officially declared the advertisement to be a fraudulent fake ad and urged consumers to be cautious. They highlighted that claims of a 3-year warranty are used to deceive consumers but are irrelevant to actual products. Fumiaki Tada, a journalist specializing in fraudulent business practices, suggested that this fake advertisement appears to target the back-to-school season, when students often need items like shoe bags and other pouches.
Expert Warning and Consumer Precautions
Fumiaki Tada noted that fraudulent advertisers exploit the busy period when parents are preparing school supplies for their children, promoting false information about being able to purchase high-quality sewing machines at low prices. He added that they are capitalizing on the increased demand for handmade items, such as shoe bags for school, during this time. Consumers are advised to verify information and make purchases only through official websites or trusted vendors when encountering advertisements on social media.
*Source: YouTube: ANNnewsCH (2026-03-23)*
