Masterpiece Stolen from Shiga Temple, Thief Nabbed by Chief Priest

May 21, 2025 | News On Japan

Shiga, May 21, 2025 (News On Japan) - A man has been arrested for stealing a hanging scroll regarded as a "masterpiece of ghost paintings" from a temple in Maibara City, Shiga Prefecture.

The scroll, titled Silk Ghost Figure in Light Colors, is held at Seiryūji Tokugen-in temple in Maibara. It is renowned for its eerie depiction that gives the illusion of the ghost emerging from the scroll.

According to police, at around 1:20 p.m. on May 19th, suspect Kazuki Doi, a 33-year-old unemployed man, allegedly entered the temple’s main hall disguised as a visitor and made off with the scroll.

However, the chief priest pursued and apprehended Doi on the spot.

Yamaguchi Kōshū, head priest of Tokugen-in, commented: "It’s something that should never happen, but if he truly likes the ghost scroll, I’d rather he come back as a proper visitor and view it to his heart’s content."

Doi has admitted to the charges, according to investigators.

Source: YOMIURI

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