Two major Japanese apparel companies have decided to stop using cotton from China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region due to allegations of forced labor there.

Sanyo Shokai says it will not use cotton from the region for its clothing starting with the lines for next spring and summer.

TSI Holdings said it stopped using Xinjiang cotton in items for this autumn and winter and has no immediate plans to resume.

Sporting-goods firm Mizuno and apparel company World have also taken a similar approach.

Meanwhile, Fast Retailing, which operates the Uniqlo clothing chain, has launched a team to inspect cotton farmers in the region for possible human rights violations.