Residents of a Japanese town are calling for a replica statue of Michelangelo's naked masterpiece, David, to be provided with underpants.

The five-metre reproductions of Michelangelo's David and Greek treasure Venus de Milo were erected last year in a public park in Okuizumo town in western Japan after a donation from a local businessman.

While many residents appreciate the replica statue of the naked masterpiece, others have complained.

Town official Yoji Morinaga says some parents have even said the statue is scaring their children.

"Some people have told the town's legislators that toddlers are afraid of the statues because they are so big and they appeared unexpectedly over the summer," he told AFP.

"They are statues of unclothed humans, and such pieces of art work are very rare in our area. Some people apparently said the statues might not be good for their children."

Others have suggested providing David with some underpants to preserve his modesty.

"It is the first time we have had anything like this in our town. Perhaps people were perplexed," Mr Morinaga said.

Authorities believe over time the town's 15,000 residents will come to appreciate the value of the sculptures, which they say could be useful in school art classes and may one day become a sightseeing attraction.

The original David is housed in the Accademia di Belle Arti, in Florence, Italy.

The Louvre in Paris is home to the armless Venus de Milo, which stands a little over two metres tall.