Maybe they buy their screwdriver blades somewhere ? (Anex? ktc ? Vessel ? sunflag?..) so they can put "Made in japan" on it.
You're thinking more deeply into this than I am on this. But, the more I think about that notion, the more inclining I am to think that it's likely that they're sourcing the blades from elsewhere, too. We, as buyers, can't be so naive these days to think that each product is manufactured in-house, even with specialized companies that you haven't associated as being "outsourcers", like Ko-ken. So, with that in mind.....
Anex? ...a good possibility. They do offer an interchangeabe blade system, but it doesn't look the same as Ko-ken's.
KTC? ...less likely; they are the quintessential example of the Japanese version of the USA truck brands--they outsource a lot of stuff to create their vast product range. Ko-ken has been an OEM in the past for KTC though.
Vessel ...possible; although I don't see them offering an interchangeble blade like these and no where on their website do they mention they take on OEM services. BUT, quite clearly, here's their screwdriver rebranded under Marvel and Hozan:
Here's Vessel's impact driver rebranded as well:
So, that just goes to show that a company doesn't neccessarily have to state on their website that they offer OEM services. Ko-ken provides for other brands, but they don't state it either. I wish every company did, because that'll make our task easier.
Sunflag ...less likely and like Vessel, I don't see them offering an interchangeble blade system....and no mention of offering OEM services.
I still find the date codes to be a good indicator that they are made by Ko-ken though. The absence of it, however, would probably be a dead ringer that they're outsourced.
Maybe they do have the machinery to produce these.
While their regular screwdrivers only show "japan" instead of "made in japan"..... Here is something for you to translate
click Its about their interchangable drivers ... and the website says
"made in japan" ....100% .... (the only thing i could read....
I've shopped from itools and although they
boldly state that everything they sell is 100% Made in Japan, they sell a lot SEK stuff. Maybe I should inform them
Ko-ken's website clearly says that the "made in Japan" on their products is a guarantee that they are indeed made in Japan. What about them handles
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here is something about their date code i think:
click
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Yeah, that's actually about a recent voluntary recall of certain ratchets. I contacted them a few weeks ago asking them to provide the tool users outside of Japan with at least an English translation. I never got a reply back, but perhaps they will eventually.
to that! 
You're like the tool encyclopedia. 
)
)
...unless they buy some of the select powered tools.
