Tips & Guides
Quick Q&A – Lost Something in Japan? Start Here.
I'm worried about getting my lost item back in Japan. Is there a high chance it will be found?
- Yes, please rest assured. Japan is known for its excellent public safety and high civic consciousness, and many lost items are reported. According to the Metropolitan Police Department's data, wallets are returned at a rate of approximately 68% and mobile phones at about 83%, indicating a very high probability of finding lost items.
I'm not sure who to contact first about my lost item. Should I contact the police or the facility?
- First, directly contacting the facility where you might have lost the item (e.g., train station, airport, hotel, shop) is generally the most effective. If it's not found at the facility, or if you're unsure where you lost it, we strongly recommend filing a loss report with the nearest police station (Koban).
Can I inquire about or retrieve my lost item if I don't speak Japanese?
- Communication with facilities and the police will primarily be in Japanese. While basic phone inquiries often require Japanese, some may respond in English via email or web forms using translation apps. If direct communication is difficult, we can support smooth communication on your behalf.
Is it possible to retrieve an item lost in Japan from overseas?
- Yes, if your item is found, retrieval from overseas is possible. Japan's lost item system is efficient, and items are often located. However, the main challenge is that most facilities do not offer international shipping. If your item is found but cannot be shipped by the facility, we specializes in retrieving it on your behalf and arranging international delivery.
I'm not sure exactly where I lost my item. Is there still a chance it can be found?
- Yes, there is a possibility. We will conduct a detailed interview about your travel history to identify potential locations where you might have lost the item, such as facilities, hotels, or convenience stores. We then proceed with a persistent search, providing detailed descriptions of your item.
I lost my passport, credit card, or wallet. What should I do first?
- For your personal information protection and to prevent unauthorized use, please immediately contact your embassy or consulate, or your credit card company, to report the loss and arrange for invalidation or suspension.
My lost item is an electronic device like a smartphone or laptop. Are there any special considerations?
- Yes. First, please check if your device is screen-locked, and we strongly recommend considering remote locking or data wiping functions to protect your personal information. Additionally, electronic devices containing batteries are subject to strict international shipping regulations, and in some cases, may not be shippable overseas.
If I leave something at a facility, how long will it be stored there?
- Lost items at police stations and facilities are generally stored for approximately 3 months from the date they are reported. After this period, the item's ownership may change, or it may be disposed of, so prompt contact is crucial.
I'd like to know if my lost item is covered by insurance.
- Your overseas travel insurance or credit card's incidental insurance may cover loss or damage to personal belongings. For specific coverage details, please contact your insurance company directly.
If I use your service, how long will it take for my item to be returned to me?
- The timeline varies significantly depending on the item's discovery, the response time of the facility or police, and the chosen international shipping method. We proceed promptly once the item is found, but it often takes around 1 to 3 weeks for the item to reach your hands.