Two Vietnamese Men Arrested in Japan for Stealing Bonsai Pots Worth ¥5.3 Million

Two Vietnamese men have been arrested in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, for stealing seven bonsai pots worth ¥5.3 million (approximately $39,000) from a residence in Kanagawa Prefecture in March 2023. The suspects, a 20-year-old student and a 33-year-old man, are believed to have stolen the bonsai as part of an organized crime targeting the valuable plants for export to other countries.

Police were able to identify the suspects through a small GPS device attached to the stolen bonsai. The theft is part of a larger trend in the region, with around 180 bonsai pots worth more than ¥20 million (approximately $147,000) stolen in Kanagawa Prefecture since December.

Why this matters: The theft of valuable bonsai plants has become a growing concern in Japan, with organized crime groups targeting the prized plants for export. The arrest of the two Vietnamese men highlights the need for increased security measures to protect these cultural treasures.

In response to the recent thefts, the Nippon Bonsai Association has urged its members to take additional security precautions to prevent further bonsai thefts in the Kanto and Chubu regions. The association has also called for increased cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the bonsai community to combat this growing problem.

"We are deeply concerned about the recent surge in bonsai thefts," said a spokesperson for the Nippon Bonsai Association. "These plants are not only valuable in monetary terms but also hold significant cultural and historical value for our nation. We must work together to protect them."

The two Vietnamese suspects are currently in police custody and are being questioned regarding their involvement in the theft. Authorities are also investigating potential links to other bonsai thefts in the region and the possibility of a larger organized crime network targeting these valuable plants.

Key Takeaways

• 2 Vietnamese men arrested in Japan for stealing 7 bonsai pots worth $39,000.
• Bonsai theft is a growing concern in Japan, with over $147,000 stolen since Dec.
• Nippon Bonsai Association urges members to increase security to prevent further thefts.
• Police used a GPS device to identify the suspects, who are being questioned.
• Authorities investigating potential links to a larger organized crime network targeting bonsai.