Green’s Dictionary of Slang

(Aus.) stealing cash-boxes.

1902		Bulletin (Sydney) 31 May 31/1: Pincher Wilson...undergoing a sentence of two years for ‘japanning’, known to the initiated as cash-box or till-snatching, was a gambler.
1904		Truth (Sydney) 16 Oct. 7/1: Paddy Toole, serving two years for ‘japanning’ (thieving a cash-box).