Yazuka are known to be tough gansters in Japan, sort of like the Italian Mafia. So it’s surprising to hear that a yakuza executive would steal a doll. It’s not surprising, however, if the doll is worth between 150,000 to 200,000 yen.

On Tuesday Sept. 1, Hiroshi Inaba was arrested for the theft of a Peko-chan mascot doll that occurred back in Feb. Inaba denied parts of the accusations stating that a 37 year old accomplice did the actual stealing.

Approximately 10 cases of the theft of Peko-chan dolls have been reported in the Wakayama Prefecture in Japan since January. Some of them were sold at recycle shops in Osaka and police are investigating whether or not this incident is related to one of these cases.

Many of you are probably wondering, “Who is Peko-chan?” Peko-chan is a mascot for a chain of Japanese confectionary stores called Fujiya. Her trademark look is the pigtails and tongue hanging from the side of her mouth. She is a marketing icon seen outside of Fujiya stores all around Japan. Next year will mark Peko-chan’s 60th anniversary.

Forget robbing a bank or selling drugs. That’s so last year. It’s all about stealing collectible dolls, baby. (Of course I’m only joking.)

Source:Japan Today