In Japan, camera stores often sell two versions of the same product:
If you have a physical product in hand (or a photo of the box), follow this protocol. There are three layers of verification: Physical inspection, online database check, and direct service center inquiry. Canon Serial Number Check Japan
For gear explicitly purchased in Japan or intended for that region, your first stop should be the Canon Japan website. However, there is a catch: Canon does not have a global, public-facing serial checker that tells you the history of a camera (like a Carfax for cars). In Japan, camera stores often sell two versions