Historic Momotaro Statue Gifted by Japan Stolen from San Jose Park

The Momotaro statue, a culturally significant bronze sculpture gifted to San Jose by its sister city Okayama, Japan, has been stolen from Guadalupe River Park. The statue, which depicts the Japanese folklore hero Momotaro alongside his animal companions, had been a symbol of friendship between the two cities since 1993. Authorities reported that the statue was cut down with precision tools, leaving only the feet behind, and are actively investigating the theft while seeking public assistance. This incident follows a pattern of art thefts in San Jose, including the recent disappearance of a statue linked to another sister city, Pune, India. City officials and the mayor have condemned the theft as an affront to community values and pledged efforts to recover the artwork and hold those responsible accountable. Residents are encouraged to report any information to the San Jose Police Department to aid in the statue's recovery.