Key Facts
• June 2025: Three Tokyo college students, aged 20–22, traveled to Kansai.
• They allegedly evaded train fares by purchasing a $1.00 entry ticket at Tokyo Station.
• Suspected of bypassing ticket gates at Shin-Kobe Station to reach the Expo venue.
• Entered the Expo using discounted tickets meant for ages 12–17, saving several thousand yen.
• Arrested for stealing over 100 official character “Myakumyaku” goods, including rare items.
• Two of the three suspects have already been indicted.
• Police suspect the thefts were for resale, targeting high-value limited-edition items.
• The stolen goods included the rare “Black Myakumyaku” plush toy.
• Authorities are investigating potential violations of railway business laws.
• Police are also probing possible involvement of other individuals.
Summary
Three college students from Tokyo were arrested for shoplifting over 100 official character goods, including rare items, at the Osaka-Kansai Expo. The suspects allegedly evaded train fares by purchasing minimal-cost tickets and bypassing gates, as well as entering the Expo with discounted tickets meant for younger attendees. Police believe the thefts were resale-motivated, targeting high-value items like the limited-edition “Black Myakumyaku” plush toy. Two of the suspects have been indicted, and authorities are investigating further legal violations and potential accomplices.
