Parents in Japan often knock the country for not providing enough support for raising children. However, one aquarium in Hokkaido is finding that good intentions aren’t always rewarded with good behavior.
The Otaru Aquarium in Otaru, Hokkaido, loans out the strollers for free to parents who might need them while visiting the facility. While some units are donations, others were purchased directly by the aquarium. The seven available strollers vary in cost; the most expensive runs for about 70,000 yen (USD $460).
Unfortunately, some parents in need have apparently opted to walk out the door with the devices. Posting to its official X account on March 23rd, the aquarium said it’s missing two strollers lent out on February 4th and March 17th. Both have labels and logos marking them clearly as property of the aquarium.
The post drew a lot of attention on X, receiving over 100,000 likes. While some people expressed outrage over the apparent thefts, most (gently) lambasted the aquarium for its naive trust in the inherent goodness of humanity.
Many commenters suggested that Otaru Aquarium secure a person’s name, address, and phone number before lending out a stroller. Others suggested requiring a cash deposit (that’s returned when the stroller is returned) or registering a lender’s credit card. Still others suggested hiding an AirTag somewhere on the devices or equipping them with an alarm that triggers if people try to exit the building.
Others wondered why the aquarium was offering such high-end strollers in the first place. “Treat them like loaned wheelchairs in a hospital or care facility and offer the lowest grade possible,” one commenter suggested. Low-end models sell for around 25,000 yen ($165).
While Japan has a generally low crime rate, theft is still common. We’ve written before about how bicycles and even umbrellas are commonly pinched. Even some Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples have gone cashless to thwart the theft of donation boxes.
Why this page doesn't look like crap
You may notice a few things about this page. First, it’s mostly content – not ads. Second, this article was written by a human, not a plagiaristic Turing machine.
Unseen Japan is a collective of independent authors. We work hard to keep our content free of intrusive ads and AI slop.
Help us keep it that way. Donate to the Unseen Japan Journalism Fund to support our work. Regular donors will receive Insider, our paid newsletter with weekly bonus content about Japan. Plus, your contribution will help us produce more content like this.
What to read next
Fear of a Black Japan: A “Hometown” Program With Africa Sparks Racist Protests
A simple misunderstanding led some Japanese citizens to protest an initiative they worry will lead to a flood of African immigrants.
Japan’s Gun Control Laws: How The Country Stays (Almost) Gun-Free
Japan has one of the lowest rates of gun crime in the world. How did it start, and how has it stayed that way?
Why Japan’s Disability Law Still Fails Disabled Students
An attorney who represents families in disability cases explains how gaps in the law leave some disabled students stranded.
