Guide to Lost Goods in Transport in Japan

You lost an object in Japan? Make sure you have a good chance of finding him. In this article, we explain how this process works in Japanese rail networks, and how to maximize your chances of recovering what belongs to you.

The cultural importance of the object lost in Japan

The Japanese wordwasuremonoIt literally means “forgotten thing.” It reflects the way the Japanese perceive and treat lost objects. Every year, millions of items are found and handed over to their owners throughout the country, including wallets containing all their contents.

The system is based on two essential pillars: social integrity and rigorous organization. In major cities like Tokyo, found objects represent a logistics in their own right. In 2017, Tokyo Metropolitan Police received nearly 4 million items, ranging from clothing to ID cards.

What happens when you forget something on a train

When you forget an object on a train or station, it is generally collected by the railway company’s personnel. It is first kept at the station where it was found (or at the train terminus) for a day. Next, it is transferred to the found objects center of the operator concerned, such as the Tokyo Metro in Iidabashi, which processes an average of 1,800 items per day.

Each item is labelled, coded, described (color, mark, content, etc.) and sorted by category: bags, clothing, umbrellas, glasses, etc. After a few days, if the object has not been claimed, it is handed over to the police, who keep it for three months before it is given, sold or destroyed.

Steps to Recover Lost Object

If you lose property on a train or station, the following steps are recommended:

• Contact the relevant railway company quickly, preferably by telephone or in person. E-mail is generally not accepted.
• Prepare a precise description of the object: mark, size, colour, possible content.
• If you have left Japan, a trusted person on the spot can go to your place to get it back.
• An ID (like a passport) will often be requested to retrieve an object.

The objects are kept between three and seven days by the company before being transferred to the local police.

Railway companies and their procedures

Each railway company has its own procedures. Here is an overview of the main issues:

Tokyo Metro

The found objects center of Iidabashi is one of the most active. It processes everything found on the 179 stations in the network. The umbrellas are particularly numerous on rainy days.

JR East

With 2.2 million items received per year, JR East has one of the most developed systems. The objects are centralized according to the regions (e.g. the Ueno station for Tokyo). They are then catalogued and kept for up to a week before being transferred to the police. The customer service centre also offers a multilingual helpline.

JR Central and JR West

These companies cover the Nagoya region and western Japan respectively (Kyoto, Osaka). They have counters at large stations and follow a similar procedure: registration, sorting, transfer to the authorities if the object is not claimed.

Centers of objects found in large stations

Here are some major stations where you can find an object:

• Tokyo Station (JR East / JR Central): two counters located side Yaesu, with extended schedules.
• Kyoto StationTwo separate offices, one for the main building and one for the Shinkansen.
• Osaka StationOffice close to the Tourist Office, open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Shinjuku Station: reception point at exit East, only in Japanese. Calls in English via InfoLine JR East.
• Nagoya Station, Hakata Station, Sapporo Station: all have a dedicated centre.

If your object has been transferred to the police

When an object is not claimed after a few days, it is sent to the police, in accordance with theLost Property ActJapanese. You will then have to complete a report in akōban(police station) or a police station. The large prefectures have online databases but there is no unified national system.

If you are uncertain about the exact place where the object was lost, start with the nearest police station or contact the police station in the area where you think you have lost it.

Tips to avoid losing an object in Japan

• Before getting off a train or leaving a train station bench, always look behind you.
• Avoid placing objects on the upper luggage racks or hanging them on the ramps.
• Note the details of the trip: line, direction, time, name of station or train.
• Identify your personal effects: labels with name, recognizable stickers.
• Reduce the number of cases transported to limit the risk of forgetting.
• Keep your precious items on you, in secure pockets.

Some unusual objects and anecdotes

Beyond classic objects such as bags or wallets, centres sometimes receive unexpected items: guitars, whole suitcases, chairs, even surfboards. Some valuables are never claimed. In this case, after the three months of storage by the police, they can be sold or recovered by the companies. For example, Tokyo Metro receives approximately 24 million yen per year in unclaimed cash.

Communication with railway companies

The majority of railway companies speak only Japanese, but some large networks such as JR East offer multilingual telephone lines. If you don’t speak Japanese, ask for help from a friend, at the hotel reception or at a tourist office.

Some companies agree to send an object to another Japanese city bytakkyubin(Express delivery service, in due port). However, sending abroad is generally refused.

In summary

If you lose an object in Japan, react quickly and contact the relevant railway operator with maximum detail. Thanks to a very well run system, your chances of finding it are high, especially if you follow the steps to the letter.

The effectiveness of the object management systems found in Japan demonstrates deep respect for the property of others. As a traveller, this offers a rare sense of security, provided that you react quickly and follow procedures. This guide will help you navigate these steps to maximize your chances of finding your personal belongings, even hundreds of miles from the place you lost them.

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