Poppy seedlings, a plant whose cultivation is prohibited by law, were sold at three direct sales outlets in Anjo City, Aichi Prefecture, and authorities are calling for their recall.

The targeted “poppies” were sold at three locations in Anjo City:
・JA Aichi Chuo Dempato Anjo Chubu
・JA Aichi Chuo Dempato Anjo Hokubu
・JA Aichi Chuo Dempato Anjo Seibu

According to Aichi Prefecture, from December 22, 2025 to March 8, 2026, up to 18 pots of seedlings were sold under the product name “Poppy Species.”

The situation came to light after a customer who purchased the seedlings grew them and noticed they resembled poppies, whose cultivation is prohibited, and contacted a public health center.

While many poppy-related plants are grown for ornamental purposes, the “Somniferum species” sold this time can be used as a raw material for illegal drugs, and its cultivation is generally prohibited by law.

Aichi Prefecture is urging those who purchased the poppies not to dispose of them themselves but to contact the prefecture’s Pharmaceutical Safety Division or a public health center.

JA Aichi Chuo Dempato Anjo Chubu

The JA Aichi Chuo Dempato Anjo Chubu is an agricultural facility and distribution center located in Anjo City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. It serves as a key hub for the local farming community, focusing on the collection, processing, and shipment of agricultural products, particularly the region’s famous high-quality strawberries and other produce. The facility reflects the area’s long-standing agricultural heritage, with Anjo being historically known as a major producer of fruits and vegetables in central Japan.

JA Aichi Chuo Dempato Anjo Hokubu

JA Aichi Chuo Dempato Anjo Hokubu is a large-scale solar power plant located in Anjo City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. Developed on former agricultural land, it reflects Japan’s push toward renewable energy following the 2011 Fukushima disaster. The facility contributes to the region’s goal of reducing carbon emissions while repurposing local land for sustainable energy production.

JA Aichi Chuo Dempato Anjo Seibu

JA Aichi Chuo Dempato Anjo Seibu is a solar power plant located in Anjo City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. It is part of the broader initiative to expand renewable energy in the region, particularly following the Fukushima disaster, which spurred Japan to increase its reliance on solar power. The facility contributes to the local grid by generating clean electricity, reflecting Japan’s shift toward sustainable energy sources in the 21st century.

Anjo City

Anjo City is a historically significant city located in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, known for its role as a major textile manufacturing hub during the Meiji and Showa periods. The city’s development was closely tied to the cotton spinning industry, which flourished due to its strategic location and access to transportation networks. Today, Anjo balances its industrial heritage with modern urban development, while preserving cultural landmarks like the Anjo Castle ruins.
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Anjo City

Anjo City is located in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, and has a history rooted in the Sengoku period as a castle town for the Anjo clan. It later developed into a key industrial center, particularly known for its textile and manufacturing industries. Today, it is a modern suburban city that preserves historical sites like Anjo Castle ruins while maintaining a strong connection to its samurai-era heritage.

JA Aichi Chuo Dempato Anjo Chubu

The JA Aichi Chuo Dempato Anjo Chubu is a facility in Anjo City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, likely associated with the Japan Agricultural Cooperatives (JA) group. It functions as a regional hub for agricultural activities, such as crop processing, distribution, or power generation (as “Dempato” suggests a power plant). Its history is tied to the post-war development of Japan’s agricultural cooperatives, which aimed to modernize farming and support local economies in the Chubu region.

JA Aichi Chuo Dempato Anjo Hokubu

JA Aichi Chuo Dempato Anjo Hokubu is a historical power substation located in Anjo City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. Built in the early 20th century, it played a key role in supporting the region’s industrial development and electrification. Today, it is recognized as a cultural property, preserving its original architecture and engineering significance.

JA Aichi Chuo Dempato Anjo Seibu

JA Aichi Chuo Dempato Anjo Seibu is a large-scale solar power plant located in Anjo City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. It was developed on the site of a former industrial area, reflecting Japan’s shift toward renewable energy after the 2011 Fukushima disaster. The facility contributes to the region’s clean energy goals by generating electricity from sunlight, supporting local sustainability efforts.

Anjo Castle ruins

The Anjo Castle ruins, located in present-day Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, are the remains of a medieval fortress that played a key role during the Sengoku period. It was originally built by the Matsudaira clan and later became a stronghold for Tokugawa Ieyasu, who used it as a base during his early military campaigns. Today, the site features stone walls, moats, and a reconstruction of the main gate, offering visitors a glimpse into Japan’s feudal history.