
Simple anti-theft hack to protect your brolly from thieves.
Despite being a relatively safe country, where big-ticket items like laptops and phones can be left unattended, not nicking what’s not yours doesn’t seem to count in Japan when it comes to cheap umbrellas.
Over the years, we’ve seen a lot of clever tips from people who’ve come up with special techniques to keep their umbrellas safe when leaving them in designated racks outside stores and businesses.
▼ It’s common practice to leave your wet umbrella outside stores that don’t offer plastic sheaths in Japan.
Now, Twitter user @Moopa22 is here with a new ‘pandemic edition‘ hack that’s so smart it might just work at any time of the year.
お店入る時、傘立てに傘を置く時にいかにも鼻をかんだようなティッシュを挟んどくと盗まれないようだ😊まっさらなティッシュだけど… pic.twitter.com/zoyIgsYETm
— にゃんこ先生🐈(猫類) (@Moopa22) August 16, 2021
That’s right — all you need to do is stuff a crumpled-up tissue in between the handle and the edge of the canopy. The tissue is clean and unused, of course, but only you know that, because to others, it looks like someone’s blown their nose with it.
Nobody wants to touch a stranger’s snotty tissue, especially during a pandemic, and umbrella owners everywhere were quick to praise the clever idea, saying:
“What a great defence method!””
“This is great! Why didn’t I think of this before?”
“Genius!”
“You could also wipe chocolate on it…”
“Surely nobody would ever want to touch that!”
This hack really is simple yet effective, and it’s one we’ll definitely keep in mind for times like the rainy season. Along with these other anti-umbrella-theft hacks involving stickers curses, and computer chips.
Source: Twitter/@Moopa22
Featured image: Pakutaso
Insert image: Pakutaso
● Want to hear about SoraNews24’s latest articles as soon as they’re published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!


How to protect your umbrella from rampant umbrella thieves in Japan
An easy way to stop people from stealing your umbrella in Japan, plus put smiles on a few faces
The simplest, most direct way to protect your umbrella from being stolen in Japan
Twitter user suggests creative idea to prevent umbrella theft, receives ovation from netizens
Japan announces sudden 500-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
Japanese sweets brand creates new drinkable Cigare and we’re totally here for it
“Phantom Egg Shop” opens in Japan, with a dozen rare Japanese varieties
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino, tea and soda drinks for summer
Starbucks Japan sells Valencia Flavoured Syrup, and here are four ways to use it this summer
Ginza Happo: One of Tokyo’s best all-you-can-eat seafood restaurants is an extreme buffet affair
Cheap Japanese sandwich hack: Popular cafe’s 21-cent white bread offcuts will really up your game
Enjoy the world’s oldest gyoza chain hidden just outside Shinjuku Station
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
7-Eleven Japan to start selling Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches this summer
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam is getting a new look before its end-of-summer removal
Starbucks Japan releases new limited-edition summer drinks…and a pastry for dunking
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
New official Ghibli anime food cookbook will teach you how to make Ponyo’s ramen and more
Japanese convenience store Lawson launches new “mini supermarket” chain, L Minimart
Japan’s real-world Pokémon hot spring’s first photos are here![Photos]
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
How to stop thieves using your cash cards when you lose your wallet
How much private info can a thief glean from a stolen smart phone? We investigate