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Yeah 2-3 years for shoplifting stuff worth less than 50$ seems harsh.

On the other hand, shoplifting rate is really low. A lot of merchandise is literally out in the streets. Security is minimal. In many European countries shit would get stolen in no time. Yet high social trust in Japan allows this.

Well, till nanny punk comes..!

The old woman will just keep stealing a mango once in a while, until people finally understand her, and allow her to come to rest in a better environment.

.. and prison happens to be better environment. At least in her mind. So win-win, harsh punishment keep youngsters at bay AND gets elders sent for rest :D

What is weird, they do have "life-long learning centers" and hobby communities geared towards elders and whatnot. Maybe her pride didn't allow her to go to those and declare she needs human contact? Meanwhile prison helps her to save face in some twisted way?

Not after a conversation between judge, prosecution, defense attorney and offender. They obviously concluded after long deliberations that it was in everybody's best interest to just apply the law. In the case of a first-time offender, the judge can more easily ignore the offender's wishes. In the case of a repeat offender, he cannot just keep sending the poor, old woman away, can he?

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