Lost something in Japan: reporting it at a koban

If you lose something in Japan, file a lost-property report at the nearest koban (police box) or police station. The police keep items handed in to them for 3 months (National Police Agency), and each prefectural police lists them on its website.

What to write on the report

When and where you lost it; any name or number on it (part of a card or account number); colour, shape, marks or a photo. The police match reports against items handed in.

A report is not a search: the police do not go looking. They contact you if a matching item is handed in.

Where to look

Search the found-items list on the prefectural police website. If you lost it in a station, on a train or in a shop, ask that company or place first. Items are kept for 3 months, so report it as soon as you notice.

If you find something

Hand it in at a koban or police station within 7 days. Inside a station or shop, give it to the staff within 24 hours. If the owner is not found in 3 months, the finder may claim it within 2 months (National Police Agency).

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