KOCHI –
Twin brothers have been arrested on suspicion of stealing copper roofing from a distant shrine in Kochi Prefecture, as police examine a collection of comparable thefts reported at about 10 shrines throughout the prefecture since round September 2025.
The newest case occurred at Jinga Shrine in Kami, Kochi Prefecture, situated close to the highest of a mountain about half-hour by automotive from a residential space.
Large sections of copper sheeting had been stripped from the roof of a storage constructing used to accommodate transportable shrines and different tools, leaving waterproof materials uncovered beneath.
Police stated 123 copper plates price about 280,000 yen have been stolen from the constructing through the early hours of September 30.
Masamichi Kajiwara, head of the Inono district in Kahoku, Kami, expressed anger over the theft. “It is extremely regrettable, and I feel outraged. The shrine is a place everyone in the district relies on and a source of spiritual support.”
Police later recognized twin brothers as suspects within the investigation.
The two arrested on suspicion of theft are 37-year-old Takatoshi Okamoto and his twin brother, Shinya Okamoto, additionally 37.
Similar thefts have been reported at about 10 shrines throughout Kochi Prefecture since round September 2025. Police are investigating whether or not the brothers have been concerned in further circumstances.
Source: FNN