One coin became an investment in happiness for an entire apartment complex.
Japan is known for being a safe country, where people often leave smartphones and laptops unattended at cafes, and wads of cash are regularly handed in at lost-and-found offices in train stations.
This mentality of respecting other’s property and belongings is instilled in Japanese people at a very young age, and it doesn’t matter how big or small the item: if it’s not yours then you simply don’t take it.
So when Twitter user @kaya_its returned home one day to find a one-yen coin sitting atop the intercom to their apartment complex, the thought of taking it never crossed their mind. Instead, @kaya_its decided to give it a friend to keep it company, starting off a series of tweets that has been warming hearts around the country.
It all started with this tweet, posted on 2 January:
▼ “There was a one-yen coin on the intercom to our apartment complex, so I put another one up there too.”
マンションのインターホンに1円が乗ってたので僕も乗せといた pic.twitter.com/WGVjCwDzWI
— やや (@yaya_k_) January 2, 2019
Then this update a couple of days later:
▼ “Looks like they’re now getting on well together.”
なんか仲良くなってた pic.twitter.com/vwJRJXW0NA
— やや (@yaya_k_) January 4, 2019
The two happily sat on the the intercom untouched for nearly three weeks, before there was another development.
▼ “They gave birth to a child.”
子供産んでた pic.twitter.com/e9agaKyPF3
— やや (@yaya_k_) January 26, 2019
▼ The two proud parents could then be seen holding their child aloft, forming a happy pyramid.
たかいたかーい pic.twitter.com/HJhMuH3FtS
— やや (@yaya_k_) January 28, 2019
▼ However, there was soon room for a bigger pyramid to be made.
@kaya_its
— やや (@yaya_k_) January 28, 2019
ちな現状 pic.twitter.com/1N159AoI1B
▼ So @kaya_its completed it a day later.
ピラミッドが完成しておりました pic.twitter.com/WK5qNAtCgC
— やや (@yaya_k_) January 28, 2019
The latest update, on 2 February, shows there are now eight one-yen coins on the interphone, all lined up in a way so that they reflect light onto the polished wall.
形態変化してた pic.twitter.com/5Q8hHroNsP
— やや (@yaya_k_) February 1, 2019
While cynics might wonder whether @kaya_its is the only one placing coins on the intercom, a different Twitter user came forward to say they were the one to start the whole thing off.
▼ “I’m the one who put the first coin there.”
https://twitter.com/hide1224ka/status/1089812944802594816The two then wondered who had put the third coin there, seeing as neither of them were the ones responsible for it, prompting another Kyoto-based Twitter user to chime in with:
▼ “I’m the one who topped off the pyramid.”
https://twitter.com/naoki5315/status/1090362917948514304Commenters on Twitter fell in love with the story, urging the apartment dwellers to meet, and expressing their own desire to move into an apartment complex where residents have an equally great sense of humour.
Others, though, expressed concerns for the future of the coins on the intercom, which look set to keep multiplying. After all, it’s not the first time one yen coins have grown in public.
Source: My Game News Flash
Featured image: Twitter/@kaya_its

Awe-inspiring coin sculpture erected during boring holiday
Computer overheating? Japanese Twitter suggests using 10-yen coins to cool it off
This amazing suit of samurai armor is made of five-yen coins, and you can make your own too【Pics】
Japan unveils beautiful new yen coins for Tokyo Olympics, needs your help picking the best design
Foreigner’s 200-yen social experiment shows once again how unbelievably safe Japan is【Video】
Studio Ghibli unveils new My Neighbour Totoro Yearly Plate for 2027
New Japanese convenience store rice balls taste like instant noodles [Taste test]
Kyoto temple bans visitors from wearing kimono
Lego PlayStation recreates Sony’s original console, makes unusual choice for games to salute
Starbucks Japan releases new coffee table book featuring 18 of the most unique stores around the country
New Pokémon anniversary song is 22 minutes long, features all 1,025 Pokémon species [Video]
American tourist in Japan arrested on charges of attempted murder and arson
Japan’s Tsukimi One-hand Bento’s name is all wrong, but it still looks entirely delicious
Starbucks Japan reveals new Tsukimi Moon-Viewing drinkware and gifts for autumn 2026
Japan’s first fall color forecast for 2026 is here!
Studio Ghibli unveils new anime calendars and diary planners for 2027
Solo travel in Japan: Hidden beer garden in Tokyo is a haven for single visitors
Japan’s final Penguin Suica train cards have already shipped, and when they’re gone, they’re gone
Family Mart releases new Human Made Cup Noodle in Japan, with freebies for Nigo fans
A real-world Pokémon Poké Ball hotel is opening in Japan at a still-secret location [Video]
Hobonichi unveils new 2027 planners, diaries and stationery with One Piece, Suica Penguin, Hello Kitty and a must-buy Mini Techo
One Piece Day 2026 brings new art, music, and new cast announcements
Tamagotchi evolves into a ring for its 30th anniversary, preorders now open
12-year-old British girl who went missing in Tokyo found safe after visiting anime sites around Yokohama
7-year-old boy left behind on Mt. Fuji by his own dad
Sushi Bus: Japan’s first conveyor-belt bus lets you eat sushi while sightseeing around Tokyo
Japanese toilet aims to attract foreign tourists but not everybody is happy about it
New Japanese vending machine at Shinkansen station sells cups of ice on platform
Study finds hundreds of people in Indonesia legally named after Naruto, Inuyasha, other anime stars
Japan approves foreign resident visa renewal fee increases of up to 967 percent, starts soon
Japan tripled its departure tax to fund tourism but is using the money on cherry blossoms and bears
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Chiitan launches official cryptocurrency Chiitan☆Coin, understands if you don’t want to buy it
Don’t be fooled by the rocks they got, the Final Fantasy team needs more from around the block
Japanese Twitter explains how to choose quality produce: pick the ones that are the best couple!
Japanese Twitter users prove that cats and expensive TVs don’t make good friends
The Bank of Japan is really jazzed up about the new 10,000 yen bill
Don’t throw away those old water bottles — use them for cooking instead!
Japanese netizen comes up with brilliant idea for child-friendly train handle
One of the best Nintendo Switch accessories can be bought at a 100 yen store
Why don’t black-and-white cats have light-coloured backs and black bellies?
How to respond to Japanese people saying “I don’t speak English” when you’re speaking Japanese?
Victim of 3.11 to people who have never suffered a disaster: Don’t send origami cranes to shelters
W.T.F. Japan: Top 5 Japanese foods for people who don’t like seafood 【Weird Top Five】
W.T.F. Japan: Top 5 hand gestures that Japanese people don’t understand【Weird Top Five】
Find a red envelope on the ground? Here’s why you should never pick it up
One Piece Straw Hat Pirates respond to coronavirus pandemic with public service message【Video】