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.
Discuss this article with other UJ fans on our Bluesky account or Discord server!
Help keep us going
We’re an independent site that keeps our content free of intrusive ads. If you love what we do, help us do more with a donation to the Unseen Japan Journalism Fund in any amount.
What to read next
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.
Disabled Japanese Student’s iPad Exam Request Leads to Long Battle
In Japan, schools are supposed to make all reasonable accommodations for disabled students. One student says it wasn’t so easy.
As Japan’s Birth Rate Dwindles, Its Nursery Schools Keep Closing
Japan wants more women to give birth to counteract its declining birth rate. That’s hard to do when nursery schools are rapidly shuttering.
