Taiwanese actress fined for damaging Japan national treasure

Taiwanese actress and television host Tsai Yi-chen has been fined 500,000 yen by the Nara Summary Court for violating Japan’s cultural property protection law. The fine follows an incident at Yakushiji Temple in Nara, where Tsai allegedly poured a liquid containing glycerin onto the Buddha’s Footprint Stone, known as the Bussokuseki, a designated Japanese national treasure.

The incident occurred during a visit to the temple on April 6. Tsai reportedly told investigators that she poured the liquid as part of her prayers for things that moved her emotionally. Following an investigation using security camera footage, police arrested Tsai at Kansai International Airport on August 22 when she returned to Japan.

After paying the fine, Tsai was released and issued a public apology on social media in both Chinese and Japanese. She expressed regret for her ignorance and stated she realized the importance of respecting the cultures, histories, and laws of other countries.