The Case of the Missing Kappa

Aug 07, 2026 | News On Japan

KANAGAWA - Two kappa statues that served as symbols of a bridge in Ebina, Kanagawa Prefecture, have been stolen after being cherished by local residents for 34 years, with police investigating whether the thieves targeted the sculptures for their copper.

A letter signed "From the Kappa Siblings" has been tied to the railing of Iseshimomura Bridge, where the two statues once stood.

"How is everyone? I am a kappa. I was kidnapped the other day. I cannot walk or speak. Only a voice from heaven remains," the letter reads. "Police officers, please find me. I want to return to this village."

The supposed senders are the two missing kappa statues that had long been regarded as symbols of the bridge.

Ebina city officials said the theft of both statues was discovered on the morning of July 25 and that a damage report was filed with police.

"It is lonely. It feels as though a member of the family has disappeared," one nearby resident said. Another said, "These kappa are the symbol of the bridge, so I hope they are returned exactly as they were."

The two statues had been loved by local residents since they were installed 34 years ago. At some point, local volunteers began dressing them in specially made outfits.

"They were cute, small kappa about this size, and I always looked forward to seeing their clothes," one resident said. "I hope the culprit is caught soon."

The resident added that the person who regularly changed the statues' outfits would likely be so shocked by the theft that they might have taken to bed.

The letter signed by the Kappa Siblings appeared several days after the statues went missing.

"When we stood here, you dressed us in many different outfits through spring, summer, fall and winter, and the hats were wonderful," the letter says. "Looking back, this was where we were happiest and had the most fun."

"We want to return to this village and spend our days smiling with everyone again. Please come and save us soon."

The Kappa Siblings are believed to have been stolen for their copper, which has risen sharply in price.

Police said the two statues had a combined market value of 100,000 yen and that the case is being investigated as theft.

Source: FNN

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