Please help.
On July 17th at Kumano Hongu Taisha, my Goshuin Book was taken by someone else. It seems that, when the goshuin are done and waiting to be collected, someone took mine alongside their own.
At the time, according to the Shrine, it seemed to be a simple mistake, and I assumed that the other person would return it once they discovered the mistake. But it’s since been two days and at this point I can only assume it was stolen.
I know it only may be a book, but it has the stamps of many places I’ve visited since 2018. And I can’t believe that I had something stolen in Japan, and in a World Heritage Site out of all places!
I am thinking of how to recuperate from this situation.
– I am back in Tokyo, but should I file this 盗難届 (incident report of stolen items) in Wakayama Pref.? Is that the only way for it to be relevant?
– I am also keeping an eye on online auctions in case the book pops up there.
– What else can I do?
Sorry for the long rant. This is one of the hardest lessons I had to learn.
https://www.reddit.com/r/japan/comments/w2i3ic/someone_stole_my_goshuin_book_what_am_i_supposed/
19 comments
>And I can’t believe that I had something stolen in Japan
Why?
> and in a World Heritage Site out of all places!
Theft happens frequently in tourist spots.
>I am back in Tokyo, but should I file this 盗難届 (incident report of stolen items) in Wakayama Pref.?
You can file a 盗難届 where you live.
> Is that the only way for it to be relevant?
You already know it’s not relevant to anyone but you.
Wow so tragic. I can’t imagine how you’ll be able to go on and live a normal life after this.
Sorry dude, that is pretty rough. They’re really good keepsakes. For now I think getting a new one and starting over with a bit more care is your best course.
It sucks but I honestly don’t think there’s much you can do. You can file the report but I doubt it will turn up.
Our worldly possessions are incomparable to our life. The memories (and probably the pictures) still remain with you.
That’s so sad :(. I think you don’t have a lot of options other than just filing a report… I hope it’s returned but it seems like it might be a slim chance.
Of course it may actually have been stolen, but it’s only been two days. I don’t think it’s outside the realm of possibility that the person who took it took it accidentally, and either still doesn’t realize, or has moved on to another location and hasn’t figured out what to do with it. Sorry for your loss, but I would still have some hope that it could come back to you.
I think the most important thing would be to make sure the shrine knows that you are looking for it and leave your contact information with them. I know if I had taken someone’s by accident, I would probably try to send it back to the shrine, rather than give it to a police box etc. keep contacting the shrine from time to time
SOL, sorry bro. I always watch them sign my goshuin unless it’s a large place. Usually the larger places have a number system. They give you a tag. I’d have talked to them and ask why they pile them up for anyone to take and not do a number system. I’d probably have called the cops right then and there if I was serious. People steal stuff all the time in Japan. Umbrellas are fair game. Bicycles, don’t get me started.
Wow, that’s a drag. So sorry. I hope, somehow, it gets returned to you!
I never thought about it, but I’m going to put contact info in mine.
Sorry it happened to you. It sucks. And thanks for sharing your experience.
Even though it has only been 2 days and somebody may still return it or at least call to leave a message. It is an important item for many people. It shows that some people on reddit are always having a fantasy about Japan is a zero crime country. It is impossible. Low crime rate doesn’t mean zero crime and there are still people who got greedy and do stupid things all over the world. I personally have seen people breaking rules, although it is very rare and it also rarely happens compare to other places.
I honesty hope it is just a mistake and somebody forgot to check it when they got home. If it is indeed a mistake, maybe use (Japanese) social media? Share some pictures on your book and then write a story about it? I am not sure what else the temple can do since they would have no idea.
Did you say anything or leave contact information at the Shrine? Because if it was taken by mistake, there is a good chance it will find its way back there. If it was stolen, your chances of getting it back are pretty much zero.
Also, theft is still fairly common in Japan, especially opportunity theft. Umbrellas and bicycles get stolen all the time.
Did you have an email address or phone number inside it? It might still turn up.
Damn, sorry to hear that. I wonder if you could obtain 盗難証明書 or is it too low monetary value item, but with proof of police report of theft maybe you could message shrines that you visited but are furthest from your home, tell the story and send them your new Goshuincho – then hope some kind soul will give you a stamp and send it back… Sounds like a fantasy but who knows.
Isn’t this basically the shrine failing their duty of care? If it were a small business subject to the whims if Internet reviews, they would be bending over backwards to find it for you.
[An explanation of goshuin books](https://www.tokyoweekender.com/2017/11/a-beginners-guide-to-goshuincho-how-to-get-one-and-how-to-use-it/) for those who, like me, wonder WTF this thread is about.
lamo and they say that Japan is super safe, those bloody criminals have a delicate taste.
Notify the authorities?
Keep contacting the shrine to see if it’s been returned. Why would anyone want to steal one of those? They’re neat and all, but it’s basically like stealing some stranger’s travel diary.
> And I can’t believe that I had something stolen in Japan
Theft happens – it just doesn’t get much attention (or action from police). It still pays to be careful in Japan.
I don’t think you will get it if you report a theft to the polise so, I suggest you collect them again.