In a surprising act of vandalism, five out of seven vending machines in a local park were found to be demolished. The incident took place in the dark recesses of the night, and the identity of the responsible individual(s) remains unknown. While the local authorities have initiated a probe into the matter, the park's regular visitors have expressed frustration and shock at this brazen act of destruction.
In Japan, such acts of vandalism in public spaces are rare, given the country’s strong emphasis on respect, clean public areas, and law and order. Besides the normative aspects, it’s a crime to damage property —and the lack of vending machines affects the convenience they offer, a key aspect of Japanese lifestyle.
Unlike in Japan, vandalism in public areas isn't uncommon in the US and EU, though it’s still seen as a serious offence. The frequency of such incidents in the West might be higher due to cultural, societal, and law enforcement differences, but the public reaction is generally the same — anger, disappointment, and calls for stricter penalties and better surveillance.