Japanese city authorities are enforcing a new rule to inspect the contents of an applicant's wallet while reviewing welfare applications. The strategy is a bid to ensure that only truly deserving applicants receive the required aid. The move, however controversial, is expected to help cut down on fraudulent applications and manage resources more effectively.

In Japan, welfare is viewed as crucial support for those most in need, and any misuse is strongly deterred at both legal and societal levels. However, this enforcement of inspections is creating a stir over concerns of invading personal privacy. While some are fine with the new method, believing it is important to preserve the integrity of the welfare system, others feel it is a step too far into people's personal lives.

In contrast, the US and EU mainly rely on paperwork and electronic records to evaluate welfare applications rather than physical inspections. Fraudulent activity is generally disincentivized through strict legal consequences, however, privacy rights often restrict physical searches without probable cause.