Many people from all over the world are visiting Japan these days. They’re drawn by its unique culture, rich history, and time-honored traditions. Japan’s breathtaking natural beauty also fascinates visitors, while its engineering, anime culture, and cuisine continue to captivate global audiences.
However, inbound tourism brings not only positive aspects but also challenges. One of the most serious concerns is a sharp rise in shoplifting. There has been a growing number of organized shoplifting incidents involving foreign nationals. In response to this surge, UNIQLO’s parent company, Fast Retailing, has announced a strong policy: it will seek civil compensation for all damages resulting from theft.
Shoplifting Group
According to recent reports, Vietnamese nationals represent the majority of foreign nationals arrested for shoplifting in Japan. They are followed by individuals from China, South Korea, the Philippines and Brazil. Shoplifting frequently takes place at drugstores across Japan.
In one case, three women were arrested for stealing from 37 UNIQLO stores in several prefectures, with damages totaling approximately \12.3million. They said that they got money to live for three months. According to reports, a Vietnamese member of the shoplifting group was directed to visit Japan several times, earning about 2 hundred thousand yen for each return.
In February 2024, four Vietnamese nationals were taken into custody for stealing from UNIQLO locations in Fukuoka, causing losses totaling around 20 million yen.
According to a summary by the National Police Agency, in recent years, Vietnamese nationals have accounted for 50% to 70% of foreigners apprehended for shoplifting nationwide.
UNIQLO’s Determination
In a bold move to combat rising theft, UNIQLO has declared it will seek full civil compensation from organized shoplifters, marking a turning point in how Japanese retailers respond to large-scale loss. UNIQLO says “to ensure a safe shopping environment, we will take a firm stance and pursue civil action against offenders”. UNIQLO plans to seek compensation for the stolen goods and all related damages from the thief through legal action, including civil proceedings. Despite the growing impact of shoplifting, most Japanese businesses have traditionally refrained from filling civil claims for damages.
Going forward
As more foreign visitors come to Japan, shoplifting incidents involving foreign nationals have also been on the rise. Consequently, more companies are expected to follow UNIQLO’s lead by actively seeking compensation and taking firm measures to eliminate shoplifting. Japan has often followed the lead of large countries in its efforts to grow up and modernize. While this approach has its merits, it also comes with drawbacks. In emulating the United States, many Japanese citizens have found daily life increasingly difficult. Still, the recent step taken to eradicate shoplifting is significant one. I hope more Japanese businesses will follow UNIQLO’s example and take firm action. It’ time for Japan to change.
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