Almost half a million DVD players manufactured in China have been recalled in Japan after reports that some had emitted thick smoke and begun to melt.

Most of the products at risk were sold under the Axion brand, according to Japanese press reports.

The built-in LCD screens could become deformed by overheating, and the Asahi Shimbun reported that, as well as harmful smoke, there was a risk of fire. 

Almost 550 units have malfunctioned so far, and initial investigations showed that a short circuit caused by a soldering problem in the LCD display panel's backlight module was to blame.

The Axion brand name seems to be associated with Shanghai Far Year Technology, a subsidiary of Taiwan-headquartered Action Electronics Co. The products were manufactured in China, according to Japanese media reports. 

Nagase & Co, the Japanese importer of the products, estimated that 460,000 units are affected by the recall notice. Japanese press reports estimated that the value of the products could be as high as $114m. 

The recall notice issued by Axion stated that almost 20 Axion DVD player models sold during the past four years are potentially affected by the flaw. 

In addition, a handful of products sold under other brand names, including Rossini, Audiovox and Insignia, may suffer from the same fault, including LCD TVs and LCD picture frames.