Japanese lost-and-found dates back to 718

By Cory Doctorow at 6:30 am Thursday, Jan 8

Miles sez, "Tantalizingly short NYT article (registration required) on the Japanese lost-and-found system, which dates back to 718 (!) and is as telling a snapshot of cultural differences as any I've seen. The picture of the umbrella room is amazing, and looks somehow like a Matrix outtake (must be the lighting & grim walls)."

Consider that in 2002 people found and brought to the Tokyo center $23 million in cash, 72 percent of which was returned to the owners, once they had persuaded the police it was theirs. About 19 percent of it went to the finders after no one claimed the money for half a year...

In the 18th century, finders were given more rights and were rewarded with a certain value of the found property. Finders who did not hand in objects were severely punished. According to Mr. Fukunaga's book, in 1733 two officials who kept a parcel of clothing were led around town and executed.

Link (Thanks, Miles!)