Early this morning, a Japanese man turned to his local embassy seeking assistance, amid allegations of engaging in 'kakekomi', or unregulated financial borrowing. The individual's identity is yet to be disclosed, but it's known that he reportedly reached out to the embassy after realizing he might become a target for the crime. The embassy is currently working on his case.

In Japan, 'kakekomi' or "running and borrowing" refers to a form of borrowing that lacks the proper procedures and regulations, and can be a serious criminal offense. Japanese society views this in a negative light due to the potential societal harm, ranging from personal financial crisis to larger economic instability. Public opinion is typically sympathetic towards victims of these scams, whereas those who perpetuate them are seen as serious offenders.

In the US or EU, similar situations involving unregulated lending practices, often associated with predatory lending or payday loans, are often met with legal ramifications for the lender. There is a focus on consumer protection, but it's also recognized that individuals also bear responsibility for their financial decisions.