Japan cultural sites targeted by influencers and entertainers

Two separate incidents involving the disrespect of Japanese cultural and historical sites have sparked public outcry.

Taiwanese entertainer Wu Xiong (Tsai Yi-zhen) was arrested by Japanese police at Kansai Airport for allegedly violating the Cultural Properties Protection Act. She is suspected of pouring a liquid containing glycerin onto the ‘Buddha's Footprint’ national treasure at Yakushi-ji Temple in Nara. Renowned Japanese chef Tsuyoshi Kawagoe expressed sadness regarding the incident, stating that if the act was intentional, it is a regrettable mistreatment of important cultural assets.

In a separate incident, a livestreamer known as ‘Ainosuke’ was banned from the platform Kick and expelled from his group after broadcasting disrespectful behavior at the Taira no Masakado Monument in Tokyo. The streamer climbed the stone monument and engaged in indecent exposure while making strange noises to attract viewers. Kanda Shrine, which maintains the site, has filed a lawsuit against the individual for desecrating a sacred and historical location.