Itoigawa scales browning

[Rinzler720]

Hello everyone! I was wondering if anyone know what these "random" brown scales are. I know foliage eventually go brown to make stem but this looks different to me because it is too close to new growth, like in between the green. So if someone can help me, please

 

[Wires_Guy_wires]

Probably just some mechanical damage. They might have rubbed on something. I wouldn't worry too much about it.

 

[Shibui]

Looks like the new shoots are very healthy so I would also not lose sleep over a few brown needles.
Check for pests though. You have not given a location so we can't pick possible pests based on your part of the world.
Mites are very small so hard to spot but can cause browning foliage. Would have thought mites would be more attracted to new softer new shoots though.
There are some really small scale insects that can get in between juniper needles.

Otherwise just monitor any progression and watch for further signs.