The batteries are - like the Sanyo eneloop - made in Japan and delivered in the latest version of Panasonic "BK-3MCCE". Optical is almost no difference detected, except that now stands on the batteries in small print "Panasonic" instead of "Sanyo" and the new manufacturer name "BK-4MCCE".
Otherwise, the new Panasonic were eneloop again improved in durability. Instead of 1800, the new "BK-4MCCE" batteries now have 2100 charging cycles! This makes itself felt in the price unfortunately. Nevertheless, the investment is worth considering not even reach the other batteries or cheap "replicas" half of the lifetime!
Conclusion: The new Panasonic are the best eneloop eneloop ever existed! We can only hope that under the new manufacturer Panasonic stays that way!