University Students Rearrested for Stealing More Than 100 Items at Expo

Jul 18, 2025 | News On Japan

OSAKA - Two university students previously arrested for stealing around 70 items from the Osaka-Kansai Expo site have been rearrested on suspicion of stealing additional merchandise, including the highly sought-after black version of the Myakumyaku mascot.

The suspects are Yudai Hirahara, 20, and Ayato Kimura, 22, both university students living in Tokyo.

According to investigators, the pair allegedly stole 104 items worth approximately 400,000 yen from a store within the Expo venue on June 26th. Among the stolen goods were about 30 black Myakumyaku plush toys.

The black Myakumyaku items are in high demand, with purchase limits set per customer. Both suspects admitted to the allegations, reportedly telling police the theft was for resale purposes. Hirahara stated that "limited-edition items sell for high prices."

Police have seized around 60 Expo-related items from the suspects' homes and are continuing to investigate the possibility of additional thefts.

Source: KTV NEWS

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