'Peach Boy' Statue to Return to Guadalupe Park in San Jose

"One of our most cherished gifts from Okayama was the Momotaro, or "Peach Boy" statue - a symbol of the longstanding friendship and cultural exchange between our sister cities. The bronze statue was stolen from its stand in Guadalupe River Park last fall and has not been recovered."

"City officials said they are coordinating with the mayor of Okayama, Japan, and a foundry has been identified to recreate the 5-foot bronze statue, featuring Japanese folklore hero Momotaro (the "Peach Boy"), a dog, a monkey and a pheasant."

"The Momotaro "Peach Boy" statue was given to San Jose by its sister city Okayama, Japan, in 1993. San José is home to one of three remaining Japantowns in the United States. San Jose's Sister City relationship with Okayama is the second oldest in U.S. history."

San Jose is moving forward with replacing the Momotaro "Peach Boy" bronze statue that was stolen from Guadalupe River Park in September 2025. City officials are coordinating with Okayama, Japan's mayor to recreate the 5-foot statue depicting the Japanese folklore hero alongside a dog, monkey, and pheasant. A foundry has been identified for the project, and shipping costs have been secured. The City Manager will explore funding allocation options. The original statue was gifted to San Jose by its sister city Okayama in 1993, symbolizing the cultural exchange between the two cities. San Jose maintains one of the oldest sister city relationships in U.S. history and is home to one of three remaining Japantowns in the country.

Read at San Jose Inside