How many Japanese passerby return the lost wallet to its owner?
We’ve seen examples time and time again of how honest the people of Japan are. In many countries where leaving your property alone in plain sight for five seconds means it’s basically already gone, it can be a little hard to believe.
So to test out just how honest the Japanese people really are, Japanese YouTuber Zenim at the channel Monkey Python decided to carry out a little social experiment.
He walked around the Harajuku area and intentionally dropped his wallet immediately after passing by some people. He then kept walking and waited to see if anyone returned the wallet, of if they kept the leather treasure for themselves.
How many of the 15 tests ended in honesty? Watch the video below to find out:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t56YVMBDISk
▼ Living in the U.S., I can personally attest that I have had $0 returned to me that I’ve lost over the years, so these are some heartwarming statistics.
▼ But are they true? YouTuber Zenim and his wallet are about to find out.
▼ The first drop. Down goes the wallet inconspicuously out the back pocket.
▼ We’ve got a spotter! Will they return it, or pocket the pocketbook?
▼ And they return it! Score one for the green, “honest monkeys”.
▼ The next dropped wallet gets spotted instantly. Is that woman excited to return it, or to get some free easy cash?
▼ Honesty wins out again. Go, green team!
▼ And the wallet keeps getting returned again…
▼ …and again…
▼ …and again, all the way to the end.
That’s 15 out of 15 returned for a final score of…
▼ One hundred-percent! If there are any doubters out there, it’s hard to argue with a one hundred-percent return rate.
Of course, to be fair, the experiment isn’t perfect. Zenim did drop the wallet in a very public place, so chances are there were others besides the person who returned it who saw him drop it. That makes it harder to stuff the wallet in your own pocket knowing that there might be judging eyes out there watching what you do.
It would be interesting to run a similar experiment in a more private setting where there would be no such public consequences and see if the results were the same. Either that, or, we can stop testing the Japanese people’s honesty and just appreciate them for being awesome. That works too!
What would you do in the same situation? Would you return the wallet, or grab it and run in the opposite direction? And, to add another layer to the question, would it make a difference if you found the wallet in Japan or your home country? Let us know!
Source: YouTube/Monkey Python via grapee
Images: YouTube/Monkey Python
Saudi Arabian TV tempts would-be thieves in Tokyo to test Japan’s honesty
Video of kids reacting to strangers dropping their wallets might restore your faith in humanity
Japanese woman finds wallet with 1 million yen, does the right thing, then something even better
“Otaku” YouTuber confronts Tokyo tough-guy litterers, who’ve got no idea who they’re dealing with
Japanese YouTuber goes to Argentinian slum to make “impactful video”, gets robbed instead
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Say hello to Japan’s new stationmaster cat!【Video】
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】
We found a popular Japanese ramen chain in South Korea!…or so we thought
We try the Jack & Coke canned cocktail to see if it’s any better than mixing one yourself
Japanese schoolgirl commended by police for helping lost child
Cup Noodle releases new Tomica “car” collection
Stay hydrated with Attack on Titan water coolers
Make Your Own Yoshinoya Beef Bowl at Home, Even Better Than the Original 【Recipe】
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself
Hayao Miyazaki says Happy New Year to Studio Ghibli fans with new art for Year of the Horse
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
Top Japanese cosplayer Enako returns to Comiket after 6 years, creates mayhem with admirers
Cup Noodle tries an authentic Jiro-style ramen, but something’s not quite right
The best Starbucks Japan Frappuccinos we want to drink again in 2026
We revisited Sweets Paradise after a decade to see if Japan’s dessert buffet still delivers
That time Seiji called JASRAC to ask why he didn’t get paid royalties for his song being on TV
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Human washing machine pods coming to Japanese hotels【Photos】
Disgraced YouTuber Hezumaryu to run in next Japanese national election
Food ASMR YouTuber caught spitting cheese tonkatsu out on camera【Video】
Are these normal Japanese things weird to you? 10 things that might surprise you when you visit Japan
Six types of Japanese people you’ll meet while living in Japan — An illustrated guide
Leave a Reply