Overview
- The suspects are an Ehime Prefectural Police officer and a man from Nagoya’s Nishi Ward, and investigators plan to send case documents to prosecutors on suspicion of property damage.
- Investigators say the officer allegedly twisted the reinforced‑plastic head with both hands on August 19 while in Aichi on a business trip after drinking.
- A separate man allegedly kicked the detached head on August 23, and police say the two did not know each other.
- Ehime Prefectural Police’s inspectorate says it is confirming the officer’s involvement and will respond in line with established facts.
- The statue’s head was found near the site, the piece was donated in 2013 as part of a local promotion, and managers say repairs are planned early next year.