# Tsai Yi-chen released after Japanese cultural site vandalism > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/desecration-of-japanese-cultural-sites > Updated: 2026-09-03T01:12:41.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2. Taiwanese entertainer Deborah Tsai (Tsai Yi-zhen), also known by her stage name Wu Xiong, has been released in Japan following an investigation into the vandalism of a national treasure. The incident occurred in April at the Yakushi-ji Temple in Nara, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where Tsai reportedly poured a glycerin-containing liquid onto the ‘Buddha’s Footprint Stone’. Tsai was arrested upon re-entering Japan last month for violating the Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties. Reports indicate she was detained for 10 days and ordered to pay a fine of 500,000 yen. Following her release on September 2, Tsai issued a formal apology in both Chinese and Japanese via social media. She admitted to her ‘ignorance and foolishness,’ stating that she failed to respect the culture, history, and laws of the country. The incident has sparked significant debate in both Japan and Taiwan. While Tsai expressed regret for the negative example she set for Taiwanese society, some netizens criticized her apology, suggesting her tone was self-centered. The situation has also prompted ongoing discussions within religious communities regarding the interpretation of spiritual rituals and the responsibilities of churches toward their members. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-03: Tsai Yi-chen released in Japan after vandalism of national treasure Taiwanese actress Tsai Yi-chen has been released in Japan after paying a 500,000 yen fine for pouring oil on a national treasure stone at Yakushiji Temple in Nara. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/deborah-tsai-faces-legal-action-in-japan-over-national-treasure-incident ### 2026-08-27: Japan cultural sites targeted by influencers and entertainers Taiwanese entertainer Wu Xiong faces arrest for allegedly pouring liquid on a national treasure in Nara, while a livestreamer was banned for desecrating the Taira no Masakado Monument in Tokyo. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japan-cultural-sites-targeted-by-influencers-and-entertainers --- Cite as: Tsai Yi-chen released after Japanese cultural site vandalism. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/desecration-of-japanese-cultural-sites