Honda Motor Co. officially announced that it has started on Dec. 22 a recall of Honda cars in Okinawa, in relation to the worldwide problem with air bags made by Takata Corp. This is the fist recall in Japan related to the Takata air bag problem.

According to Honda, it has identified 635 vehicles with Okinawa number plates that are covered with the recall. In the nation, the number of Honda cars targeted for the recall is estimated to be 135,000.

The reason that the recall has not yet started in other prefectures is a shortage of replacement parts due to the large number of affected vehicles.  The risk of problems with the air bags occurring in vehicles in Okinawa is high because of high temperature and humidity here. Therefore, Honda decided to start the replacement recall in Okinawa first.

According to Honda officials, there are six types of vehicles that are affected. Honda has informed customers who have Okinawa number plates by sending direct mail and by telephone calls starting on the 22^nd.  For inquiries, Honda owners can call Honda Customer Service Center toll free at 0210-112-010.

Mazda has also announced that it would start a recall in January for its cars equipped with Takata-made air bags.

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