u/AbleIndividual3385 — reddlx

Hi everyone,

I’m hoping to get some advice or maybe a bit of luck here.

My mom had a close friend in Tokyo, but they lost contact about 30 years ago. I’ll actually be visiting Tokyo soon, and I thought it would be amazing if I could reconnect with him somehow.

Here’s what I know:

He lived in Takashimadaira, Itabashi City, Tokyo
The address I have now shows up as an apartment building on Google, but I’m not sure if it’s the same building from back then or if it has been rebuilt
He would likely be around 70–80 years old today
I know his full name (In Chinese, idk how to translate in Japanese or Kanji)
I do not know his look but know his one distinctive detail of his appearance.

I don’t have any photos of him, unfortunately.

My questions:

What are the chances he might still be living at the same address after 30 years?
If I visit the apartment building, is there an appropriate or respectful way to ask around in Japan?
Are there better ways (local registries, community offices, etc.) to try to locate someone like this?

I completely understand this is a long shot, and I want to be respectful of privacy and local customs. This would just be a “bonus” while I’m in Tokyo, but it would mean a lot to my mom.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!