What: A JPY 10 million golden tea bowl was stolen from the Takashimaya department store in Tokyo.

Why it is important: The theft of such a high-value item highlights significant security lapses at cultural exhibitions and raises concerns about the safeguarding of invaluable and irreplaceable artifacts.

A pure golden tea bowl, valued at over JPY 10 million, was stolen from an event hall at Takashimaya department store in Tokyo's Nihonbashi district. The theft occurred during the Grand Gold Exhibition, which featured over 1,000 pieces, including historic koban coins and other gold artifacts. The bowl, crafted by renowned goldsmith Koichi Ishikawa, was displayed without secure measures such as locks or alarms. Surveillance footage identified a suspect, a man believed to be in his 20s or 30s, who put the bowl into his backpack. Despite the presence of security officers, the theft went undetected until noticed by a store clerk. Following the incident, the exhibition organizers have implemented stricter security measures, including placing partitions to keep visitors at a distance from the displays.

JPY 10 million golden tea bowl stolen from Tokyo department store