In Japan, it is common for people to place their belongings, such as bags or jackets, on a seat before going to order food or drinks, especially in casual restaurants, cafés, and food courts. This practice serves as a way to "reserve" the seat and indicate that it is occupied.
This custom is generally safe in Japan because of the country's low crime rate, and most people trust that their belongings will not be stolen. However, in some busy places, staff may remove unattended items, and in certain locations, it may not be recommended due to security concerns.
While this might seem unusual to people from other countries, it is a widely accepted practice in Japan and reflects the high level of trust and social order in Japanese society.