Apple Japan is researching the iPod nano for defects after one of the popular digital music players reportedly shot out sparks while recharging. A defect is suspected in the lithium-ion battery in the iPod Nano, model number MA099J/A.
The problem surfaced in January in Kanagawa Prefecture southwest of Tokyo, and Apple reported the problem to the ministry in March. Apple Japan did not contest the ministry statement but declined further comment. The ministry has asked Apple Japan to find out the cause of what it is categorizing as a fire and report back to the government.

Lithium-ion batteries have been blamed for a series of blazes in laptops recently that have resulted in massive global recalls.