A rising prevalence of self-checkout systems in Japan is causing unintended shoplifting incidents, as customers sometimes fail to properly scan their purchases. Retailers and law enforcement have issued warnings against such inadvertent non-payment, urging citizens to take extra care when using self-service registers. Consumer advocates are also calling for clearer instructions and measures to prevent confusion at these technology-driven checkout points.

In Japan, where societal norms greatly emphasize respect for property and the importance of following rules, unintentional shoplifting can be a source of extreme embarrassment, and even legal trouble. There's a growing concern among people around the complexity of self-checkout systems and the possibility of wrongfully being perceived as a thief. Retail shops are encouraged to provide user-friendly interfaces and thorough instructions to avoid such occurrences.

Unlike in the U.S or EU, where self-checkout systems have been common for some time and the general public is more accustomed to the process, Japan's introduction to the concept is comparatively recent. Difficulties are often attributed to the newness of the technology. Legal penalties for shoplifting are typically more severe in Japan, making unintentional shoplifting a more sensitive matter.