Seattle  Representatives of the Sadako Renewal Project, the Japanese American Citizens League and related community groups asked the Select Budget Committee on Oct. 30 to support a $200,000 city contribution toward a $500,000 replacement and maintenance plan for the stolen Sadako Sasaki statue in Peace Park.

Tara Tomaribuchi, speaking for the Sadako Renewal Project, said the group has selected an artist and raised some private donations but needs public support to complete a $500,000 project that would include a $100,000 maintenance endowment to return the piece to the city art collection. Stanley Shikuma and others described broad community support, including schools in Japan and donors nationwide.

Why it matters: Speakers framed the request as a civic and international symbol of peace, memorialization and cultural connection for Seattles Japanese-American community. They said theft of the artwork had produced national attention and that replacement would reaffirm city values.

What the council heard: The group requested the council cosponsor and fund a portion of the replacement; Councilmember Rivera was thanked as a sponsor of a budget action that would allocate $200,000 from city arts funding to the project.

Ending note: The request was made during public comment; the council will consider the item as part of arts-and-culture funding decisions.