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_

Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Japanese man drives truck that’s on fire directly to fire station, drops flaming potatoes[Videos]
Komachi Shokudo: Japanese mum’s-style cooking for breakfast, lunch and dinner in Tokyo
Japan’s budget chain restaurant Saizeriya might just be the perfect first date location
The next time you’re feeling stressed out, you could relax on a Pokémon Psyduck chair from Japan
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Japanese man drives truck that’s on fire directly to fire station, drops flaming potatoes[Videos]
Komachi Shokudo: Japanese mum’s-style cooking for breakfast, lunch and dinner in Tokyo
Japan’s budget chain restaurant Saizeriya might just be the perfect first date location
The next time you’re feeling stressed out, you could relax on a Pokémon Psyduck chair from Japan
7-Eleven Japan’s giant fried chicken skewer would be too big to eat, so it’s really for cuddling
Japanese convenience store sandwiches get extra protection from new business backpack
Giant pipe mysteriously rises up through street in downtown Osaka
Is this Japan’s most extreme cherry blossom viewing? Leap, cycle and climb through 2,500 sakura
Is Daiso’s microwave Japanese rolled omelet maker worth your time and money? [Taste test]
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Starbucks Japan opens new cafe and art gallery in top Tokyo tourist neighbourhood
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku redesigned with look that adds new elements and brings back old ones
Pizza Hut Japan teams up with creator of one of the country’s best kinds of ramen for ramen pizza
Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
The top 10 graduation songs in Japan as chosen by current Japanese high school students
Is Japan’s Crab-shaped Cup Ramen Timer worth the hype?
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
Naruto and Converse team up for new line of shinobi sneakers[Photos]
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2026
Now is the time to visit one of Tokyo’s best off-the-beaten-path plum blossom gardens
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
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
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
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
7-Eleven Japan’s giant fried chicken skewer would be too big to eat, so it’s really for cuddling
Japanese convenience store sandwiches get extra protection from new business backpack
Giant pipe mysteriously rises up through street in downtown Osaka
Is this Japan’s most extreme cherry blossom viewing? Leap, cycle and climb through 2,500 sakura
Is Daiso’s microwave Japanese rolled omelet maker worth your time and money? [Taste test]
Starbucks Japan opens new Kyoto store in Place of Scenic Beauty
Former employee shows us why a Starbucks “Tall Latte” is a sucker bet
Foreign tourists in Japan will get free Shinkansen tickets to promote regional tourism
Gacha machine backpack is Japan’s hottest new fashion statement
Starbucks releases a Kyoto Matcha Latte in Japan for a limited time
Studio Ghibli celebrates Mother’s Day with special Totoro flower deliveries
How to avoid queues at this Ichiran ramen restaurant in Japan
Posthumous divorce on the rise in Japan as a way to distance oneself from in-laws