
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’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Japanese government creates new word for cruelly hot summer days
New Totoro carabiner pouches are ready to clip/tag along with you on all your adventures[Photos]
Temple with 600-year-old tree near busy Tokyo station is like a tranquil pocket dimension
Japanese politician screams and cries at press conference as he defends expenses claims【Video】
Studio Ghibli announces first new short anime film in 8 years, exclusive to Ghibli Park
“Online streamer” tops dream job poll for young Japanese kids, older kids not so interested
Senkoji: The Japanese temple that’s more like a theme park to heaven and hell
W.T.F. Japan: Top 5 strangest kanji ever 【Weird Top Five】
Japanese convenience store chain has beer and sake dispensers that few people know about
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Injuries on stairs in Tokyo highlight an overlooked design flaw
Move aside, convenience store egg sando – there’s a better version of the iconic sandwich in Japan
Japan’s popular bead bonsai kit is as beautiful as it is gruelling to make
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
Final version of Sanrio: Beginning of Kawaii exhibition opens in Tokyo[Photos]
Japan has new rules for bicycle riders, and these 14 things could get you a fine or a court date
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
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
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
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
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
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