On August 6 local time, the Tokyo Police Department in Japan arrested 32-year-old Yoshida Mayu, a restaurant employee, on charges of interfering with business by means of deception. It was alleged that she had long ordered large quantities of merchandise related to "One Piece" and other "Shonen Jump" works from an online store owned by Shueisha, but then refused to pay or receive the goods. Japanese media reported that the total value of the canceled orders exceeded 4.3 billion yen (approximately 184 million RMB).
According to Japanese media such as Fuji News Network and Asahi TV, Yoshida is suspected of repeatedly placing orders and canceling them through the 'Jump Characters Store' operated by Shueisha between 2024 and 2025, causing disruptions in product sales, delivery, and inventory management. She created and used a total of 238 accounts, with orders claiming no intention to purchase exceeding 2,000 pieces.
Yoshida Mayu, FNN Fuji News Network
Police investigations revealed that Yoshida primarily used two methods to place orders. The first method involved prepaying for goods at convenience stores, submitting large orders, and then failing to pay within the specified time frame, resulting in the orders being automatically canceled. The second method was payment upon delivery of the goods. After the goods arrived, Yoshida would refuse to accept the delivery or fill in fictitious addresses, causing the goods to be returned. There were more than 2,100 such orders, and Shueisha incurred approximately 7.5 million yen in costs related to delivery and other services.
According to Japanese media, Yoshida started using this online store about 6 years ago. Initially, she would receive and purchase products normally. However, starting around October 2023, she began placing large orders and canceling them. This behavior continued for about two years. The products she ordered included dolls, figurines, and other merchandise related to popular manga series such as "One Piece".
In the face of police questioning, Yoshida admitted to the charges. She stated that she faced significant life pressures on a daily basis, and successfully placing orders before the products were sold out gave her a sense of satisfaction and helped to lighten her mood. She also said that she held no resentment towards Shueisha.
Shueisha stated that Yoshida has long occupied a large number of product purchase spots, hindering other consumers from purchasing related products fairly. The company has requested the police to take serious action against him.
