Yesterday I was reading a post about shoplifting and your rights if a store detains you. It reminded me of our trip to India, and how in every store you entered you had to check in any bags that you were carrying, and then check them out again when you left. If I recall correctly, it has happened before in some stores in the USA, and also in some of the European countries that we have visited.
The contrast to Japan is striking. Stores are less defined by walls and space – and it is perfectly OK to stray beyond the area of the store (especially grocery stores) with as yet unpaid for items. I still feel a little uncomfortable walking beyond the cash registers with stuff, but most people don’t really care, especially the store clerks. There is a lot more freedom to do what you want with the items, including walking around with alcohol, drinking it in public, having an open container, etc.
It’s just one of the small things that I enjoy about living here. They give you the chance (and they expect you) to do the right thing (i.e. not steal or act stupid) and the vast majority of people do it.
