iPod nano Sparks Investigation in Japan

Japanese authorities have launched a safety investigation after one off Apple's older iPod nanos gave off sparks while charging.

Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry says it has opened a safety investigation into Apple’s iPod nano media players after an older model gave off sparks while being recharged. No injuries or damage occurred as a result of the incident, and the ministry is looking into whether any similar cases have occurred.

The sparking incident happened on January 8 in the Kanagawa prefecture near Tokyo; however, Apple didn’t report the incident to authorities until March 7. The trade ministry believes the sparking came from the nano’s integrated lithium ion battery, and has indicated its displeasure with Apple’s delay reporting the incident. Apple Japan has not commented on the investigation.

Isolated reports of old iPod nanos catching fire have also been reported, although in at least one of those incidents the unit had incurred some physical damage.