The Mandarake shoplifting saga that has kept Japanese netizens on the hook since August 4 has finally drawn to a close. A man from Chiba Prefecture turned himself in on August 18, and is currently under arrest on suspicion of theft.
The incident grabbed the attention of the public when Mandarake threatened to publish a photo of an alleged shoplifter on their website, as captured by security camera footage, unless he turned himself in within a week. The man in question supposedly walked away with a wind-up Tetsujin 28-go toy worth 250,000 yen (about US$2,448).
As the deadline drew near, however, there were reports that the store was surrounded by reporters, making it difficult for the man to go to the store. In the end, the Metropolitan Police Department asked Mandarake to not publish the photo, saying it might interfere with the investigation.
The original incident occurred on the fourth floor of the main Mandarake Nakano store around 5PM JST on August 4.
More from Anime News Network
Retail store warns a shoplifter to return the goods… or have his identity exposed online
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Foreign tourists in Japan will get free Shinkansen tickets to promote regional tourism
New zombie ship sets sail in Japan, includes Shinkansen tickets and all-you-can-eat sushi
Now is the time to visit one of Tokyo’s best off-the-beaten-path plum blossom gardens
It’s illegal for yakuza to go to professional baseball games in Japan, Tokyo arrests remind us
Doraemon found buried at sea as scene from 1993 anime becomes real life【Photos】
Octopus tentacle ear plugs coming to Japanese capsule toy machines
Retro Japanese train is our new favourite office space
Can you eat lunch in Tokyo for less than 500 yen?
Majority of Japanese women in survey regret marrying their husband, but that’s only half the story
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Foreigners accounting for over 80 percent of off-course skiers needing rescue in Japan’s Hokkaido
Super-salty pizza sends six kids to the hospital in Japan, linguistics blamed
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2026
Downloads of 39-year-old Guns N’ Roses song increase 12,166 percent thanks to Gundam
A look back on 40 years of Japanese schools banning stuff
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
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
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms