The city of Yūbari, Hokkaido, has dismissed a 21-year-old male firefighter for stealing 130,000 yen in cash from a colleague’s wallet while on duty.

The dismissed firefighter was a 21-year-old man who worked at the Yūbari City Fire Department.

According to the city, in January 2026, during an overnight shift, the firefighter stole 130,000 yen in cash from a wallet inside a colleague’s bag.

When voluntarily questioned by police, he admitted to the theft, explaining that he had debts and did it to raise funds.

The city has also issued reprimands to three senior officials, including the fire chief, who was the firefighter’s supervisor.

Separately, the city has taken disciplinary action against another employee, and the mayor and deputy mayor plan to propose an ordinance amendment to the city council that would reduce their salaries by 10% for one month.

Yūbari

Yūbari is a city in Hokkaido, Japan, once famous for its thriving coal mining industry that boomed from the early 20th century until the 1970s. Following the decline of coal mining, the city faced severe economic hardship and population loss, but it later gained fame as the host of the Yūbari International Fantastic Film Festival. Today, it is known for its nostalgic mining heritage sites and unique efforts to revive tourism through film and culture.

Hokkaido

Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, has a rich history shaped by the indigenous Ainu people before large-scale Japanese colonization began in the late 19th century during the Meiji era. Known for its stunning natural landscapes, including national parks, hot springs, and ski resorts, it is a popular destination for outdoor activities. Today, Hokkaido is also famous for its agricultural products, seafood, and the annual Sapporo Snow Festival.