Taiwanese Celebrity Wu Xiong Linked to Japan National Treasure Vandalism Case; Potential 5-Year Sentence Looms

A 39-year-old Taiwanese national, identified as Cai Yi-chen, was arrested at Kansai Airport on August 22 as she re-entered Japan. Authorities suspect her of defacing a national treasure at Nara's Yakushi-ji temple by splashing liquid on the "Buddha's Foot Stone" earlier this year. The arrest has drawn significant attention due to striking coincidences in her name, age, and stated profession as an emcee, which align closely with those of Taiwanese actress and television host Cai Hsin-chen, widely known by her stage name "Wu Xiong."

While Wu Xiong's agent has not responded to inquiries, and the celebrity herself has yet to issue a statement, the case continues to develop. The alleged incident occurred in April when the suspect is said to have poured a liquid onto the "Buddha's Foot Stone" within the temple's Grand Hall, causing damage before leaving Japan. Japanese police, utilizing surveillance footage and other data, apprehended her upon her arrival at the airport.

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She admitted to pouring oil on the Buddha's Foot Stone as a prayer for things that moved her.

During police questioning, the arrested woman reportedly admitted to pouring oil on the "Buddha's Foot Stone" as a form of prayer for things that moved her. Police confirmed the substance used was colorless, transparent glycerol. If found guilty of violating Japan's Cultural Properties Protection Law, the suspect faces severe penalties. Article 195 of the law stipulates a prison sentence of up to five years or a fine not exceeding one million Japanese yen for damaging or destroying "Important Cultural Properties."

Japan's Cultural Properties Protection Law categorizes certain Important Cultural Properties with exceptionally high cultural value as National Treasures, which are afforded the same legal protections. The "Buddha's Foot Stone" at Yakushi-ji temple is designated as a National Treasure. Therefore, any damage to it would fall under the purview of Article 195, potentially leading to the maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment. Wu Xiong had previously traveled to Japan in April, the same period the alleged incident took place, further fueling speculation.

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Those who damage, destroy, or conceal 'Important Cultural Properties' may face imprisonment of up to five years or a fine of up to one million yen.