"People tell me they just want the money to go to its owner," Kouetsu Saiki, a Miyagi prefecture police officer who oversees the collection, identification and return of salvaged money and valuables, told the newspaper.
More than 5700 safes have been recovered, many spotted by residents who summon police to provide the muscle needed to lift the heavy objects, the LA Times said.
So far, all but US$500,000 of the US$30 million found in the safes has found its way back to the rightful owners, Saiki said.
Miyagi prefecture has also seen a high return rate in the salvaged loose cash. Of the US$24 million that has been turned in to police, authorities have managed to return US$21 million to owners, the newspaper said.