Miriam there are more Singer models made in Japan than the 223. There's also the 226 and just the other day I saw another one, a 339? 239? Can't remember the model number. Anyway, there's more.
I only have one Made in Occupied Japan machine and I can't remember how well it sews. I liked the pretty green and gold decals and it's very nice condition that's why I bought it. I've also heard that they weren't the best machines but the later, after 1952 machines were much better. I love my 1950s and 1960s Brother machines. They're top quality and came at a lower cost than the feature comparable European and Singers.
Cari