A Buddhist statue stolen from a Japanese temple nearly 13 years ago is returned from South Korea

Stolen Buddhist statue returned to Japan from S. Korea after 12 years

A 14th-century, stolen in October 2012 and taken to South Korea, was returned to a Japanese temple on Monday, ending a dispute that had contributed to bilateral friction, a source close to the matter said.

Statue stolen from Japanese temple returned from South Korea after 13 years

The stolen relic’s return highlights the easing of tensions between the nations.

Stolen Buddha statue returned to Japanese temple after 12 years

A ritual was held at Kannoji Temple on the island of Tsushima to mark the return of the Kanzeon Bodhisattva statue after more than 12 years.

A statue stolen from a Japanese temple is finally returned from South Korea

The Bodhisatva got trapped in legal dispute after a South Korean temple filed a lawsuit, claiming it as the rightful owner

A Buddhist statue stolen from a Japanese temple nearly 13 years ago is returned from South Korea

A Korean Buddhist statue from the 14th century that was stolen from a Japanese temple nearly 13 years ago has been returned following a yearslong legal battle between Japan and South Korea over its ownership.

In the early hours of May 12th, the seated Kannon Bodhisattva arrived on Tsushima and was brought to Kannonji Temple. It was the first time in 12 and a half years that the statue had returned. A welcoming ceremony was then held. The former head priest of Kannonji Temple, Setsuko Tanaka, who had been working hard to bring the statue back, said, "It's very moving. I'm so happy that the statue is here..."