The man is suspected of breaking into a temple in Miyagaoka, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, on July 31, 2025, and stealing cash from the offering box.

According to police, the temple’s offering box was located inside the Buddhist altar room. Around 10:00 p.m. on the 31st, the man allegedly entered through an unlocked side door and took money from the box.

Approximately 30 minutes later, the man visited the Miyanomori police box and stated, “I want to turn myself in.” After questioning him, police proceeded with the arrest.

The exact amount stolen remains unknown.

Authorities are further investigating whether the man may be involved in other crimes.

Sapporo Nishi Police Station

The Sapporo Nishi Police Station is a local law enforcement facility in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan, serving the Nishi (West) ward. While its exact founding date is unclear, it has long played a role in maintaining public safety in the area. The station reflects Japan’s centralized policing system and is part of the broader Hokkaido Prefectural Police network.

Miyagaoka

Miyagaoka is a residential and commercial district located in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, known for its modern amenities and pleasant urban environment. Developed in the late 20th century, it was designed as a model suburban area with parks, shopping centers, and cultural facilities. While it lacks ancient historical significance, it reflects Japan’s post-war urban planning and growth as a comfortable, well-organized community.

Chuo Ward

Chuo Ward (中央区, Chūō-ku) is one of the 23 special wards of Tokyo, Japan, known as a bustling commercial and financial hub. Historically, it includes areas like Ginza, a famous upscale shopping district that flourished after the Meiji Restoration, and Tsukiji, home to the former Tsukiji Fish Market. The ward also features historical sites such as Nihonbashi, a historic bridge that marked the starting point of Japan’s Edo-era highway system.

Sapporo

Sapporo is the capital city of Hokkaido, Japan, known for its vibrant urban life, snowy winters, and the annual Sapporo Snow Festival. Founded in 1868 during the Meiji Restoration, it developed rapidly as a modern city and hosted the 1972 Winter Olympics. Key attractions include Odori Park, Sapporo Beer Museum, and its famous ramen cuisine.

Buddhist altar room

A Buddhist altar room, often found in temples or homes, is a sacred space dedicated to worship, meditation, and offerings to the Buddha and other deities. It typically features an altar with statues, candles, incense, and ritual objects, reflecting Buddhist traditions that date back over 2,500 years. These spaces serve as focal points for prayer, mindfulness, and ceremonies, embodying Buddhist teachings of compassion and enlightenment.

Miyanomori police box

The Miyanomori police box (交番, *kōban*) is a small neighborhood police station located in the Miyanomori area of Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan. These *kōban* are a key part of Japan’s community policing system, established in the late 19th century to ensure local safety and assist residents. While not a historic site itself, the Miyanomori police box represents Japan’s efficient and community-oriented approach to public security.