TOKYO (TR) – Tokyo Metropolitan Police have arrested a 32-year-old woman on suspicion of obstructing business after she allegedly placed and canceled over 4.3 billion yen worth of anime merchandise on a publisher’s online shop, reports Nippon News Network (Aug. 6).
Mayu Yoshida is accused of repeatedly ordering goods based on hit Shonen Jump manga series, including “ONE PIECE” and “NARUTO,” from Shueisha’s official online store. According to investigators, Yoshida never paid for the items, opting instead to maliciously cancel the massive orders.
Shueisha revealed that up until 2024, Yoshida utilized 238 separate accounts to carry out the scheme. The total value of the canceled merchandise amounted to a staggering 4.3 billion yen.
Upon her arrest, Yoshida admitted to the allegations of interfering with the company’s business operations.
“I like anime in general,” she told police. “My desires were satisfied just by placing the orders.”
