News On Japan

Metal Theft Cases on the Rise: Roof of Shrine Disappears

Tochigi, Oct 25 (News On Japan) - At Nagusa Itsukushima Shrine, known as a sacred spot for Demon Slayer fans, most of the roof has gone missing. Copper sheets once hung from the roof, giving the shrine its dignified appearance.

This shrine, located among the large rocks of Ashikaga City’s “Nagusa Rock Formation” in Tochigi Prefecture, features a massive boulder split in two, reminiscent of scenes from Demon Slayer, which is why fans consider it a sacred site.

Previously, the roof was entirely covered in copper, creating a solemn atmosphere. But now, approximately 1,630 copper sheets have vanished.

On October 3rd, a tourist discovered the loss. The damage is estimated at around 650,000 yen.

Hiroyuki Tameya, head of the Nagusa Community Center, which manages the shrine, expressed his anger: "It’s a crime, and this is a cultural property that has been cherished by the local community for a long time. I’m outraged."

This isn't an isolated incident – copper thefts have also occurred at shrines in Chiba Prefecture.

Toshikazu Suzuki, head priest of Miyama Shrine, said: “The roof of our purification pavilion had its copper sheets stolen.”

On October 20th, members of Miyama Shrine in Kamogawa City noticed the roof’s copper was stripped away and called the police.

Suzuki added: “We don’t have security cameras, and since the shrine is uninhabited, it’s really unfortunate.”

Xingjiang Bian, a 46-year-old Chinese national from Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture, was arrested on October 23rd. However, he wasn’t charged with stealing the metal but for purchasing stolen goods.

Why was the buyer arrested?

Ibaraki Prefecture sees the highest number of metal thefts in Japan. The police took action this time to discourage the buying of stolen goods and help curb these crimes.

Source: ANN

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

A trade exhibition featuring domestically caught fin whale meat, harvested under Japan’s resumed commercial whaling program, was held in Fukuoka. Fin whale meat is known for its mild flavor and rich fat content.

The Nagoya High Court has ruled that Japan’s ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional, upholding a lower court decision in a case filed by a same-sex couple from Aichi Prefecture.

In response to cases where female customers were burdened with excessive debts and coerced into prostitution, the Japanese government approved an amendment to the Entertainment Business Law during a cabinet meeting on Thursday.

Shimadzu Corporation has launched the world's first optical lattice clock, which measures time using the oscillation frequency of atoms trapped by lasers. The clock boasts an unparalleled accuracy, with an error of just one second over 10 billion years.

The historic buildings of Hashima Island, commonly known as Gunkanjima, are facing a risk of collapse due to ongoing deterioration, it was revealed on March 3rd. The island, part of the "Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution," a UNESCO World Heritage site that marks its 10th anniversary this summer, has seen its structures degrade significantly over time.

MEDIA CHANNELS
         

MORE Society NEWS

A 28-year-old unemployed man has been arrested for attacking a man from behind with a jump kick and stealing his bag on a street in Takatsuki, Osaka. A security camera captured the entire incident.

A surge in the resale of 'Manhole Cards,' collectible cards featuring designs of local manhole covers distributed for free by municipalities, has angered collectors and local governments. Some cards are being resold for as much as 100,000 yen, prompting concerns over fairness and the original intent behind the initiative.

An abandoned hospital in Itoigawa City, Niigata Prefecture, has become a well-known "haunted spot," drawing unwanted attention and raising concerns among local residents. Fresh footprints in the snow indicate frequent trespassing, despite the lack of any official visitors.

A wildfire that erupted in Ofunato, Iwate Prefecture, on February 26th has now entered its second week, with firefighters struggling to contain the flames.

Japan has renewed its bid to have calligraphy recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, following a decision by the Cultural Affairs Council. If accepted, it would become Japan’s 24th registered cultural heritage.

In Fukuchiyama City, Kyoto Prefecture, workers are carrying out the annual removal of straw mats wrapped around pine trees.

Prince Hisahito, the eldest son of Prince Akishino, held his first press conference on March 3rd at the Akasaka Higashi Residence in Tokyo’s Akasaka Estate to mark his coming of age at 18.

The historic buildings of Hashima Island, commonly known as Gunkanjima, are facing a risk of collapse due to ongoing deterioration, it was revealed on March 3rd. The island, part of the "Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution," a UNESCO World Heritage site that marks its 10th anniversary this summer, has seen its structures degrade significantly over time.