Honest Tokyo residents turned in record US$30 million in lost cash last year

Tokyo residents turned in a record 4.49 billion yen (US$30 million) in lost cash to authorities in 2024, reinforcing Japan’s reputation for honesty even as the country faces growing economic hardships.

According to the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, the total amount that was handed in represented an increase of 1.8 per cent over 2023. Authorities believe the rise is due to more people going out after the coronavirus pandemic subsided and a surge in foreign tourists to Japan.

Broadcaster Tokyo MX reported that about 3.23 billion yen was returned to its rightful owners while 570 million yen was given to people who handed the money in.

By law, anyone who finds lost money is required to turn it over to police but is able to claim a reward of between 5 per cent and 20 per cent if it is claimed by the owner. If the cash has not been collected after three months, the total sum goes to the finder.

If the finder does not claim the money after an additional two months, then it goes to the local government, with Tokyo benefiting from a windfall of some 600 million yen last year.