P.M. BRIEFING : Japan Firm Defends Condoms
Japan’s major manufacturer of condoms defended its product today against accusations by city officials in Philadelphia that Japanese brands are too tight, too thin and too easily torn.
The manager of Okamoto Industries’ overseas sales department said condoms exported to the United States are made one centimeter longer and a little thicker to match the special needs of Americans.
The city of Philadelphia distributed Crown condoms made by Okamoto to low-income residents for the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. City officials opted for the Japanese condoms to save money, but users complained that the condoms were uncomfortable and defective.
“These condoms were distributed to low-income people. And it may be rude to say this, but they probably didn’t know how to properly use the condoms,” Takeshi Yonese said.
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