Theft & Prevention at Rural Shrines and Temples in Japan

Video Description

Hundreds if not thousands of shrine and temple statues have been stolen and sold online in recent years in Japan. From 2010 to 2011, more than 170 Buddha statues were stolen in 60 places in Wakayama Prefecture alone. Rural depopulated areas are particularly affected. Scholars and practitioners involved in preserving and protecting cultural properties ask how these thieves could be stopped. This video takes us deep into the mountains of Wakayama Prefecture, where Dr. Ōkouchi and his team (introduced in the previous video) engage with local community leaders to replace original statues with 3D-printed replicas, which are however no less “real." If you enjoyed this content, please Like and subscribe!