Shoplifting Prevention Day: a reminder of the desperation of some

Today, and May 8th annually, is Shoplifting Prevention Day 万引き防止の日 (manbiki no hi) in Japan. But to me it just reminds me of all the heartbreaking stories in the news lately of senior citizens who have been forced to steal necessities out of desperation. And an overall increase in crime due to inflation, among other things. 

"Shoplifting Prevention Day" was established by Safety & Security Company (formerly JNC Corporation) to raise awareness that shoplifting is a crime and to encourage efforts that reduce loses for retailers. I understand that the impact of shoplifting is far more severe than most people realize and does pose a very serious, ongoing threat to business survival. Not to justify it, but for some people shoplifting may be the only way to get food into their stomach.

The Japanese term "manbiki" (万引き) for shoplifting comes from the Edo period. It literally means 'pull 10,000' or 'pull myriads'. Some speculate that it derived from “間引き”, meaning "to thin". Another popular theory is that it comes from the idea of "pulling" fortune or opportunity.

Prevention continues to be a challenge even in an age when modern technology offers a range of preventative aids. However, it is one of those cases of 'where there is a will, there is a way'. The sad fact is that some do it for pleasure or a thrill, while others have to resort to it out of desperation.