Taiwan Artist Arrested for Allegedly Damaging Japanese National Treasure with 'Oil Pouring' Ritual

Taiwanese entertainer Tsai Yi-chen (stage name Tsai I-chen) was arrested upon re-entry to Japan for allegedly pouring glycerin on the national treasure 'Buddha's Footprint Stone' at Yakushi-ji Temple in Nara in April. The stone, dating back 1,273 years, is the oldest surviving Buddha's footprint stone in Japan and was designated a national treasure in 1952.

The incident occurred around 1:20 PM on April 6 inside the temple’s main hall. Surveillance footage showed Tsai applying a liquid to four areas of the stone. She was arrested on August 22 upon arrival at Kansai International Airport. Tsai admitted to the act, stating she performs 'oil-pouring prayers' on things that move her emotionally, and acknowledged similar actions at other religious sites in Japan.

Under Japan’s Cultural Properties Protection Law Article 195, damaging an important cultural property carries a penalty of up to five years in prison or a fine of up to 1 million yen. Tsai, 39, is a graduate of Taipei’s Hwa Kang Arts School and won Taiwan’s Golden Bell Award for Best Children and Youth Program Host in 2015.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated it is providing consular assistance through its Osaka office. The New Life Fellowship Church, which Tsai once attended, clarified she is no longer a member and emphasized that the church never teaches or encourages applying oil to cultural or religious properties without permission. Pastor Huang Chun-sheng of Jinan Presbyterian Church in Taiwan stressed that 'oil has no magical power' and warned against equating emotional impulses with spiritual authority, calling for 'ongoing disenchantment' in faith practice.

Professor Li Shih-hui from National Chengchi University noted that Japanese society views cultural relics as sacred, often believed to house spirits. The fact that a foreigner damaged such a revered object has amplified media coverage, especially amid rising public debate over tightening foreign residency rules. However, he believes the incident will not significantly impact Taiwan-Japan relations, as Taiwanese public opinion largely condemns the act, reflecting mutual cultural respect.