# Arrest of Taiwanese entertainer for defacing Japanese relic

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/arrest-of-taiwanese-entertainer-for-defacing-japanese-relic
> Updated: 2026-09-05T06:20:00.000Z. Sources: 15. Developments: 3.

Taiwanese entertainer Wu Xiong (also known as Bernice Tsai or Tsai Yi-chen) was arrested at Kansai International Airport on August 22, 2026, following allegations of defacing a national treasure at Yakushi-ji temple in Nara, Japan.

The incident reportedly occurred on April 6, 2026, when surveillance footage showed Tsai pouring a liquid containing glycerin onto the ‘Buddha’s Footprint’, a historical artifact dating back to the Nara period with over 1,200 years of history. During interrogation, Tsai admitted to the act, explaining she has a habit of pouring oil on objects that move her emotionally as a form of prayer for her family and world peace. She also indicated she has performed similar acts in other locations.

On September 5, 2026, the Nara Summary Court fined Tsai 500,000 yen for violating Japan’s Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties. Following the payment of the fine, Tsai was released. She issued a public apology on social media in both Chinese and Japanese, expressing regret for her ignorance and stating she realized the importance of respecting the cultures, histories, and laws of other countries.

Wu Xiong’s management previously stated they were unable to contact her directly and were awaiting investigation results. The Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed its Osaka office monitored the situation to assist its citizen.

## Claims

- The suspect is identified as Taiwanese entertainer Wu Xiong (real name Tsai Yi-chen). (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The incident involved pouring a liquid containing glycerin onto the Buddha's Footprint national treasure at Yakushi-ji. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Wu Xiong's manager stated they currently cannot contact her directly. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Japanese police arrested a 39-year-old Taiwanese woman at Kansai International Airport on August 22. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The act occurred on April 6 in the Yakushi-ji Great Lecture Hall. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The suspect stated she was performing a personal religious ritual of pouring oil to pray for family health and world peace. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The suspect faces charges for violating Japan's Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The suspect may have performed similar acts at other locations in Japan. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-05: Taiwanese actress fined for damaging Japan national treasure

Taiwanese entertainer Tsai Yi-chen was fined 500,000 yen for pouring liquid on the Buddha’s Footprint Stone, a national treasure at Japan’s Yakushiji Temple, and has issued a public apology.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/taiwanese-actress-fined-for-damaging-japan-national-treasure

### 2026-08-25: Taiwanese actress Tsai Yi-chen arrested in Japan for temple vandalism

Taiwanese actress Tsai Yi-chen was arrested in Japan for allegedly pouring glycerin on the Buddha’s Footprint, a national treasure at Nara’s Yakushiji Temple, as a form of prayer.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/taiwanese-entertainer-bernice-tsai-arrested-for-defacing-japan-national-treasure

### 2026-08-23: Wu Xiong arrested in Japan for allegedly damaging Yakushi-ji national treasure

Taiwanese entertainer Wu Xiong was arrested in Japan for allegedly pouring glycerin on the Buddha's Footprint national treasure at Yakushi-ji, claiming it was a religious prayer ritual.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japan-arrests-taiwanese-woman-for-defacing-yakushi-ji-national-treasure

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Cite as: Arrest of Taiwanese entertainer for defacing Japanese relic. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/arrest-of-taiwanese-entertainer-for-defacing-japanese-relic