The never ending story between Apple Japan and the local government may have finally come to an end. Following months of disputes whether overheating first generation iPod nanos pose a security risk (some iPods caused fire) or not, Apple last month announced it will put up a special warning message on its Japanese company site and offer to replace batteries in all models affected for free.

And now Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry posted a PDF [JP] on its official website according to which big A had to replace a total of 5,527 batteries last month. The ministry also says in the 3 weeks in August after Apple issued that warning [JP] on its website (on August 11), the company replaced 4,994 batteries – a big plus compared to June (62 batteries) and July (232) this year.

I am not a security expert and 5,000 is not a small number, but it looks like the Japanese government is slightly overreacting in this case. In the PDF linked to above, the ministry is again asking buyers of the first generation nano to get in touch with Apple as fast as possible and also provides contact details.