It’s often said — almost like a myth — that in Japan, if you lose your wallet or your mobile phone, it will somehow find its way back to you.
Many people overseas have heard about this “miracle,” and to them, it sounds almost unbelievable.
For us Japanese, it feels quite natural. But why does such a thing happen so often here?
Of course, theft does exist in Japan. I’ve had things stolen before — on crowded trains or during big events.
So when a Japanese person loses their wallet, we panic too. We feel that same sinking feeling of despair.
It’s not guaranteed to come back.
Still, most of us grew up hearing our parents and teachers say, “If you do something bad, even the sun will see you.”
And we were taught to help others whenever we can.
But I think it’s more than just education — it feels almost like something ingrained in our DNA.
When we find a wallet or someone’s lost item, our first thought is not “lucky me,” but “someone must be worried.”
Almost automatically, we imagine the person who dropped it, and we feel a sense of responsibility to return it.
Most people take it to the nearest police box or information desk right away.
We don’t do it hoping for a reward.
We do it because picturing the owner’s relief and happiness makes us happy too.
I once read that in some countries, when people find a lost wallet, they might think,
“Oh, thank you, God! I’m blessed!”
That made me smile — it’s such a positive and grateful way of thinking!
But of course, in that mindset, the wallet never makes it back to its owner.
Neither approach is right or wrong.
They simply reflect different values and ways of seeing the world.
In Japan, though, most people feel deep guilt about taking something that isn’t theirs.
It feels like it would stain the soul.
Because so many people think this way, the “myth” of lost items being returned in Japan continues to be true.
Different cultures, different beliefs — and that’s what makes the world so fascinating.
I just hope Japan will always remain a place where kindness and honesty quietly guide our everyday lives.
Where kindness makes everyday life beautiful.
Thank you for reading. I’ll keep sharing little moments from my life in Japan — from my garden, kitchen, and everyday reflections. See you in the next post!
by WANOKA
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