It’s stressful times. No surprises there. However, it’s sad to see individuals bickering and berating one another when we should be coming together.

Nevertheless, that's the world in which we live.

Recently, #レジハラ, register harassment, trended on Twitter after a 3coins discount store shopper became infuriated and began intimidating a cashier. A sly cinematographer recorded the outburst on a smartphone, and the news variety show Sukkiri sent the story viral. You can see the incident in question below:

Some Context

The situation takes some explanation. Recent legislation in Japan requires all retailers to charge a small fee for plastic bags, leading most consumers to bring their own reusable bag. However, it’s customary for clerks to append branded tape on items that are not carried out of the store in an easily identifiable proprietary plastic bag. The system is universally common and aimed at preventing shoplifting.

Regardless, the angry customer in the video was infuriated by this widely accepted practice—I guess he's new to shopping. He became enraged because the staff did not ask him before attaching the tape to his purchase. Concerned about the virus and frustrated by the new law, he claimed there was no reason for the tape since he had brought a reusable bag. He also made a point of claiming there was no way of knowing whether or not the staff member was infected and spreading the virus. He banged on the plastic virus guard and stormed out of the store. During his tirade, the targeted staff repeatedly apologized. Naturally, the internet lambasted the man:

A Bad Trend

As news outlet Sirabee points out, the young lady is not the only one familiar with customer outbursts. The problem is common worldwide.

Manga artist Tomoko Nishiyama (nishiyama_tomoko07) has also experienced the issue firsthand. She recently posted a manga similar in theme to the 3coins incident above.

You can see more manga by Nishiyama on her Instagram page and website.