Japanese otaku retail giant Mandarake is not happy about a recent shoplifting incident, and they don’t intend to let the perpetrator get away with it. The culprit in question allegedly pilfered a replica Tetsujin-28-go wind-up robot toy worth 250,000 yen (about US$2,448).
But, they’re giving the supposed thief a chance to redeem himself, by returning the item. If he doesn’t, the store is prepared to post a photograph revealing his identity. Their website already has a mosaiced photo of the man taken from security camera footage, captured at the time of the theft; they are giving him until August 12 to fess up.
While shoplifting is obviously a crime, netizens have mixed reactions about Mandarake’s actions. Some think the one week timeline is too lenient, while others think the store is going overboard. Although a spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police Department said that the case is being investigated, she declined to comment on the legality of Mandarake‘s threat to expose the shoplifter’s identity.
The incident occurred on the fourth floor of the Mandarake Nakano store around 5PM JST on August 4.
What do you think? Is Mandarake out of line, or are their actions completely fair? Let us know your thoughts in the forums.
Source: The Japan Times
More from Anime News Network
Mandarake shoplifter finally turns himself in
Japanese temple burns to the ground, fire burning inside for 1,200 years unharmed
Krispy Kreme Japan is bringing two special donuts to the most-forgotten big city in the country
Starbucks Japan hoping fans will go bananas for its new mottainai banana affogato Frappuccino
Pizza Hut Japan’s drinkable curry pizza is here – Is it all we dreamed it would be?[Taste test]
Man in Japan calls in bomb threat because he doesn’t want to go to his own work farewell party
Japanese vending machine find introduces us to a new drink you can’t get anywhere else
Memorial bell inside Hiroshima’s Peace Park has been silenced, but for a sweet reason
Japan has a new cute and clever sunblock for cat lovers
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Japan’s izakaya pubs closing at record pace, failing to attract foreign tourists
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Hundreds of rose bushes in bloom at Tokyo’s off-the-beaten-path, next-to-the-tracks flower street
This Tokyo Station sweets sensation sells out daily, but we finally got our hands on it
Studio Ghibli’s president is leaving the company. Will it change how they make anime?
161-year-old Kyoto confectionary maker releases new edible Pokémon lineup
Let’s hike a Japanese mountain (that isn’t Mt. Fuji) – Mt. Tsukuba[Photos]
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Japan now has gyoza doughnuts, and they taste like no other doughnut we’ve tried before
Studio Ghibli launches huge new anime movie T-shirt collection with special design details
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa