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Cotton aprons, tote bags and pouches produced by the inmates at Hakodate Juvenile Prison on the northern island of Hokkaido featuring the prison's logo have become much sought after by the fashionista seeking brand authenticity. Online sales are booming and the government-backed corrections association that carry the products are completely sold out.

The association also sells hundreds of other items, ranging from furniture and portable shrines to tea cups and green tea, produced by more than 81,000 inmates at 70 Japanese prisons as part of compulsory prison labor.

The prison is struggling to meet demands, inmates are forbidden to work overtime and they are not allowed to hire additional staff.

via msnbc.com