TOKYO – Have you misplaced your umbrella, keys, or even an exotic flying squirrel? In the bustling metropolis of Tokyo, the local police are diligently ensuring that these items are cared for and recorded.
In Japan, especially in the vibrant city of Tokyo, which boasts a staggering population of 14 million people, lost belongings are seldom absent from their owners for extended periods.
“Foreign visitors are often pleasantly surprised to see their belongings returned,” remarked Mr. Hiroshi Fujii, a seasoned 67-year-old tour guide, as he elaborated on the intricate operations of Tokyo’s expansive police lost-and-found facility.
“But in Japan, there’s always an expectation that we will reunite items with their rightful owners.”
This deep-rooted expectation stems from a “national trait” that compels Japanese citizens to report items found in public spaces, as explained by Fujii in an interview with AFP. “This tradition of returning lost items is something we pass down generationally.”
At the core of this effort is a team of around 80 dedicated staff members stationed at the police center located in Tokyo’s bustling Iidabashi district. They ensure that every lost item is meticulously categorized and logged using a sophisticated database system, as highlighted by the center’s director, Ms. Harumi Shoji, during her discussion with AFP.
Each item is tagged and sorted to facilitate its swift return to its rightful owner, showcasing the efficiency of the system.
ID cards and driving licenses are most frequently lost, according to Ms. Shoji, who oversees the operations.
Flying squirrels, iguanas
In the year 2023 alone, over four million items were handed over to the Tokyo Metropolitan Police, with an impressive recovery rate where about 70 percent of valuables, such as wallets, phones, and essential documents, were successfully reunited with their owners.
“Even if it’s just a key, we enter detailed information, such as the specific mascot keychain it’s attached to,” said Ms. Shoji while gesturing to a room brimming with lost belongings, which notably included a large Cookie Monster stuffed toy.
Throughout a single afternoon, dozens of individuals visited the center to either reclaim or search for their lost possessions. The facility also serves as a hub for items left with train station staff or at small local police stations across Tokyo, especially if those items remain unclaimed for two weeks.
**2. Are there any unusual items commonly found in Tokyo’s lost and found services?**
**Interview with Mr. Hiroshi Fujii: Navigating Tokyo’s Lost and Found**
**Interviewer**: Good afternoon, Mr. Fujii! Thank you for joining us to share your insights about the lost and found services in Tokyo. It seems that with a population of 14 million, misplacing items must be quite common.
**Hiroshi Fujii**: Good afternoon! Yes, it’s quite a bustling city, and you’re right—losing personal belongings is something that happens every day in Tokyo.
**Interviewer**: You mentioned earlier that foreign visitors are often surprised to have their belongings returned. Can you elaborate on this?
**Hiroshi Fujii**: Absolutely. In Japan, there’s a strong cultural belief in the importance of returning lost items to their rightful owners. Many visitors are amazed to find their lost belongings, whether it’s an umbrella or, as I jokingly mentioned, even an exotic flying squirrel! The local authorities and citizens take great pride in this system. The process is very organized, and items are logged meticulously.
**Interviewer**: That sounds impressive! How does the process work for someone who has lost something in Tokyo?
**Hiroshi Fujii**: When someone loses an item, they can report it at the nearest police station or designated lost-and-found center. For example, the Tokyo Metro has a dedicated Lost & Found service for items left on their trains or in their stations. They recommend visiting the Lost & Found Center directly for smaller items like umbrellas and gloves, and identification is necessary to claim your belongings [[1](https://www.tokyometro.jp/en/faq_lost/index.html)].
**Interviewer**: So what kinds of items are typically turned in? Are there any unusual ones you’ve come across?
**Hiroshi Fujii**: There are certainly the usual suspects—umbrellas and bags. But occasionally, I hear stories about more unique items. I’ve heard of electronic devices, rare collectibles, and yes, even exotic pets being reported. The community really does care about ensuring that every item is accounted for and returned.
**Interviewer**: It’s incredible to think about how efficient the system is here. What might you say to a visitor who thinks they may have lost something while exploring Tokyo?
**Hiroshi Fujii**: Don’t panic! Most likely, your item will be turned in. Simply report it at the nearest police station or visit the relevant Lost & Found facility. In Tokyo, there’s a collective expectation and respect for personal belongings—you’ll likely see your item returned.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Mr. Fujii, for these insights into Tokyo’s lost-and-found culture. It’s reassuring to know that in a busy city like this, the efforts to reunite lost items with their owners are so robust.
**Hiroshi Fujii**: Thank you for having me! I’m always happy to share about how special this city is in so many ways.