The Two Things Most Likely to Be Stolen in Japan
2026-08-23
The Two Things Most Likely to ...

The Two Things Most Likely to Be Stolen in Japan
Japan is known as one of the safest countries in the world.
 
You often hear stories about people losing a wallet, purse, or smartphone and getting it back—with the cash and everything else still inside. Japan has a strong culture of returning lost property, and these stories are surprisingly common.
 
But did you know there are two things that are stolen much more often in Japan?
 
Bicycles and umbrellas.
 
Bicycle theft is relatively common, especially around train stations. Umbrellas are another interesting example. Leave a simple plastic umbrella outside a convenience store on a rainy day, and there is always a chance it will disappear.
 
It is an interesting contradiction.
 
Someone might find a wallet containing ¥50,000 and carefully turn it in to the police, yet an inexpensive umbrella somehow seems to be treated differently.
 
Japan is certainly a safe country, but "safe" does not mean nothing gets stolen.
 
So when you visit Japan, you probably do not need to worry too much about your wallet.
 
But lock your bicycle—and keep an eye on your umbrella.
 
 
Disclaimer: I use AI as a tool to help create images and proofread my writing. However, the ideas, opinions, experiences, and messages in my posts are my own. AI does not generate my posts for me. It simply helps me present my own words and ideas more clearly.






Kenichi Uchikura
Founder & CEO

Pacific Software Publishing, Inc. (PSPINC)
Uchikura & Co., LLC.

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ABOUT THIS BLOG

I was born and raised in Japan and have spent most of my adult life in the United States. Through this blog, I share Japanese culture, language, expressions, and wisdom. My goal is not to say one culture is better, but to explore different perspectives and what we can learn from them.

Your comments are always welcome.

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