Some people will go to any lengths to protect their goldfish.
Japan is quite well known for being one of the world’s safest countries, but that doesn’t mean crime here doesn’t exist. There are still pickpockets, cases of arson, and robberies occurring on the regular, and people here still like to take measures to protect themselves and their homes. Some may opt to keep a dog around the house, while others may invest in security locks and window shutters for extra safety. And still others may install security cameras in disembodied mannequin heads to scare the living daylights out of anyone who may be up to no good.
In an unspecified neighborhood in Japan, Twitter user @omott_ photographed and posted to their account one homeowner’s unique and positively horrifying method of crime prevention. The tweet has since been liked and retweeted over 22 thousand times.
ここ一番グッときた防犯です pic.twitter.com/8hKZ3R1qY0
— 机 (@omott_) March 7, 2017
In the first photo, we simply see a head that seems to be floating in mid-air, peering at us from around the side of the building. Closer inspection reveals a sign that reads:
“Security camera in use! Burglary is a crime! Sorry for surprising everyone. This is Miharu-chan, watching out for burglars. This is set up to prevent stealing of the goldfish and killifish. Take a look around for Mamoru-kun too!”
The name Miharu is written in the katakana alphabet because, while it can certainly be a girl’s name, it also means “to watch over” (見張る). The same with Mamoru, who we see peering out from the other side of the house. Mamoru can be a boy’s name but also means “to protect” (守る), so this clever person seems to have really put some thought into protecting their home, and their fish. And we seriously doubt anyone will want to mess with the mastermind behind all of this!
Source, featured image: Twitter/@omott_

Cherry blossom sake rice beer arriving in Japan well ahead of cherry blossom season, but how?
Japan has abolished advance deportation notifications to foreigners’ lawyers
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
420 million yen in cash-filled suitcases stolen on Tokyo streets, incidents at Haneda and Hong Kong follow
How to make a lucky sushi roll with KFC fried chicken skin【SoraKitchen】
Cherry blossom sake rice beer arriving in Japan well ahead of cherry blossom season, but how?
Japan has abolished advance deportation notifications to foreigners’ lawyers
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
420 million yen in cash-filled suitcases stolen on Tokyo streets, incidents at Haneda and Hong Kong follow
How to make a lucky sushi roll with KFC fried chicken skin【SoraKitchen】
Ghost in the Sheel goes traditional with Japanese porcelain Tachikoma robots, only 50 to be made
Shimane has a secret hot spring town that feels like stepping into an old Japanese film
Japan has been tossing message-bearing coconuts into the ocean since the 1980s
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Ghibli Forest Spirit towel series will delight and/or freak out visitors to your home【Photos】
Japan’s Naruto theme park now offering real-world version of Minato’s kunai ninja weapon
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
If you haven’t tried an antenna shop in Japan, you’re missing out
Japan cherry blossom forecast update moves up sakura dates for many parts of the country
Studio Ghibli releases Spirited Away bags in Japan, based on a mysterious festival
Japanese young women reveal their top dealbreakers in a man【Survey】
Studio Ghibli turns My Neighbour Totoro characters into bag charms for everyday adventures
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
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
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Ghost in the Sheel goes traditional with Japanese porcelain Tachikoma robots, only 50 to be made
Shimane has a secret hot spring town that feels like stepping into an old Japanese film
Japan has been tossing message-bearing coconuts into the ocean since the 1980s
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Ghibli Forest Spirit towel series will delight and/or freak out visitors to your home【Photos】
Studio Ghibli hair accessories keep your style tidy with help from Kiki, Moro, Calcifer, and more
Yume Nikki, one of Japan’s most popular and disturbing indie games, is getting a full 3-D sequel
Is the magical Flying Ball that’s trending on Japanese TikTok as easy to use as it looks?
“25 Potential Culture Shocks from around the World” infographic offers tidbits of travel wisdom
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free
The 5 best Japanese bento to buy at Kyoto Station
Japanese government considering raising foreign resident visa renewal fees by 400 percent or more
Japanese manhole covers become a hit with foreign tourists in off-the-beaten path Tokyo area
Leave a Reply