YamWOW, I just noticed your statement about our bikes being made in Japan. I wish it was true!
Fuel pumps are made in China (says so on the pump body), which explains why I'm an my third, and much better, one now. The stators are too afIk, which also explains why a) they were/are relatively cheap compared with my TTR250 items, and why they initially shat themselves regularly (currently on my fourth, and updated, stator).
Logic says that if these items are Chinese sourced, then other stuff might be too. Bugger.
Just my 2c worth.