Bonsai theft: Japanese couple robbed of 400-year-old tree

Image copyrightGetty ImagesImage captio

Bonsai trees can live to be hundreds of years old (file picture)

Two Bonsai enthusiasts have launched an emotional plea to thieves who stole seven trees from them, offering care instructions for their “children”.

Seiji Iimura and his wife Fuyumi said the prized miniature trees were taken from their garden in Saitama, Tokyo.

“There are no words to describe how we feel,” Mr Iimura wrote. They were precious [to us]."

The tiny trees are believed to be worth over 13m yen ($118,000, £91,750), CNN reported.

Stemming from East Asia and often associated with Japan, Bonsai is a delicate art-form based on specialist cultivation techniques.

The miniature plants are grown in containers that mimic the shape of fully-sized trees, and require expert care.

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One of the couple's stolen trees is a Shimpaku Juniper - one of the most sought-after Bonsai types among collectors and enthusiasts. It is believed to be worth over 10m yen ($91,000; £70,720).

“Our Shimpaku lived for 400 years, it needs care and can't survive a week without water,” Mrs Iimura wrote on Facebook on 24 January.

It can live forever, even after we're gone. I want whoever took it to make sure that it's properly watered."

Skip Facebook post by Seiji

昨夜、この盆栽と他の盆栽も何点か盗難されました。

私にも園にも思いの深い大事な盆栽です。その思いは盆栽が好きな方はお分かりになると思います。皆様、もしどこかでこの盆栽をお見かけになりましたら、是非ご連絡を下さい。宜しくお願い致します！

お手数をおかけして申し訳ございませんが、宜しければ拡散をお願い致します。

Posted by Seiji Iimura on Saturday, 12 January 2019

Report

End of Facebook post by Seiji

The grief-stricken couple said they still hoped for their prized plants to be returned.

We are sad and forlorn but we will continue to protect our Bonsai. In the meantime, we will continue cultivating trees worthy of everyone's praise."

Image copyrightGetty ImagesImage caption There's even a dedicated Bonsai village in the couple's home of Saitama, Japa

On Facebook, fellow gardeners and bonsai collectors reached out to the Iimuras to express their sympathy and solidarity.

“Unforgiveable,” said one. These thieves do not know what it means to steal a bonsai, let alone seven. All the tender loving care goes with the theft."

“Bonsais are meant to be revered and celebrated and should be beyond human greed. I am heartbroken to read this,” wrote another.