A statue dedicated to the mother of Zeami Motokiyo, a renowned figure in the traditional Japanese Noh theatre, has gone missing from a public park. Public authorities noticed the statue's absence during a routine inspection and suspect theft. Local police are investigating the incident, and there's a call for witnesses to come forward. The statue is considered an integral part of the community's cultural heritage.

In Japan, artistic pieces like this statue are deeply cherished as they reflect centuries-old traditions and cultural heritage. Thus, its theft is a significant event, stirring public sentiment and leading to an urge for action to retrieve the priceless artifact. Legally, such a crime could lead to severe penalties, reflecting the value placed on preserving cultural heritage in Japan.

Like in the EU or US, art theft is taken very seriously and efforts are made to retrieve stolen items. However, there's high cultural and sentimental value attached to such items in Japan, often transcending their mere monetary worth. Unlike the West, where art theft can revolve around high-profile paintings, in Japan, these cases often involve artifacts tied to local and traditional culture.