A man who has been arrested on suspicion of robbing a convenience store in Tokyo’s Setagaya Ward, told police he needed money because he hadn’t eaten for three days.
According to police, the man entered a 7-Eleven store at around 6 a.m. Saturday, Fuji TV reported. The man threatened the employee at the counter with a screwdriver and demanded money. He fled the store with 46,000 yen. The employee wasn’t injured and there were no customers in the store at the time.
About 90 minutes later, the man called police from an unattended police box in Setagaya Ward and said he wished to turn himself in.
After his arrest, he was quoted by police as saying he robbed the store because he had no money for food.
© Japan Today
13 Comments
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Omachi
Surely, had he explained his situation to the clerk, he would have been given out-of-date food items. I do wonder if there are free 'soup kitchens'... Back when I was working, whenever we had an employee event at the office, I took leftover food to homeless people in a nearby park as I made my way home. They were always very grateful.
Do the hustle
Another fine example of Japan’s social welfare system at work. But, Japan is such a rich country, isn’t it?
Numan
The ole catch 22!
Maybe he was also looking for a roof over his head, conversation companions, and a clean mattress to sleep on.
Jail or prison seems to be the 'Plan B' retirement system/welfare plan for people in Japan. Especially during the winter months.
fuzzylogic
@Do the hustle
Another fine example of Japan’s social welfare system at work. But, Japan is such a rich country, isn’t it?
because its not/never on the financial elite JP status quo agenda, JP masses are docile and duped, as in other places on the planet.
mike1492
Or he could have just called police and assaulted them and get three meals and a bed to sleep on in jail.
Numan
@mike1492
Well, he will now, and he didn't have to actually assault someone in the process and risk being shot! Looks like he chose the lesser of two evils.
DOEL HARRY
This is a crime regardless of the reason, But I feel for the guy. Seems he just wanted to put some food in his stomach.
geraldinesato
Maybe he's one of the victim of nuclear plant in Fukushima.. Some of evacuees in Fukushima nuclear plant suffering mental illness .. They live no money no food to eat.. Because they didn't take their responsibility until the last one
Serrano
Oh jeez... this story fills me with great sadness. This man is one of many who have fallen through the cracks of Japan's social system. I hope he gets the help he needs after his mandatory incarceration for robbing the store, and given a chance to work according to his abilities and become a contributing member of society again, which most likely he was for many years.
lucabrasi
@Serrano
You write such nonsense in support of Trump, and yet such good stuff here. You are an enigma. Merry Christmas.