I have to say I think that article is a bit strongly worded and rather cut & dry. Most of the retailers I've encountered were using the "Japanese" moniker simply because the wholesalers sold it to them as such. It's possible some of the wholesalers have been victim to the same misinformation, but I do know of a couple of importers that vehemently argued their stuff was truly Japanese, and I would hold them more responsible than others involved. I was actually threatened by one such company for my argument that their zoas were not truly Japanese zoas, and I wasn't even disparaging their product, just trying to get the facts straight for everyone. It's simply been passed along the chain to unaware retailers. I think the fact that they (glassbox) were specifically referring to the retailers as being at fault or dishonest is inaccurate and unfair. I would not look at the retailers as being shady simply for using the name they were given; perhaps not up on the latest industry subtleties. In the end, as long as we are aware that these are actually probably from Java or Kupang and not Japan, then who really cares. The country of origin is irrelevent in practical terms and has nothing to do with their value, and in the end they are legit corals so who cares about the dumb hype that a few have spun.
