"MEDE IN JAPAN hand painted small vase (or tea-related) item

Small, hand painted "MEDE IN JAPAN" vase. I am not sure its origins nor the history behind it. I found it at a local charity -based thrift store . I actually purchased it for a whopping 25 cents; however the cashier informed me that I l really lucked u because someone messed up and the item should've never been able to be sold. Following up with the statement it's union-related. Any help/information on this item would be great. Thanks.