Japanese retail giant, MUJI has found itself the subject of public backlash due to complaints about a 'bad smell' pertaining to its milk lotion – a popular skincare product in the local market. The company has admitted the issue and is taking measures to handle the situation. Details are unclear on when these complaints began and what exactly led to the irregularity in the product's smell. MUJI emphasizes that the lotion is safe for use despite the unfortunate odor, and promises to address customer queries promptly.

Quality is highly valued in retail consumption in Japan, and consumers regard retailers with a great deal of trust and loyalty. Complaints such as this one can significantly impact a brand's reputation. Japanese companies are generally quick to respond to such issues, often leading to product recalls in an effort to maintain their consumer trust.

In the US or EU, these events also trigger swift action from companies. However, consumers tend to be more individualistic and quite litigious, thus the damage control efforts often focus on minimizing potential lawsuits, which typically involves public apologies, refunds, or settlements.