Actress Wu Xiong Suspected of Vandalizing 1,200-Year-Old Japanese Cultural Treasure; Case Outcome Leaked via Translation?

Taiwanese actress Wu Xiong (Tsai I-chen, real name Tsai Yi-chen) is suspected of pouring an oily liquid on the 'Buddha's Footprint Stone,' a nationally designated Important Cultural Property at Yakushi-ji Temple in Nara, Japan, in April this year. She was arrested upon re-entering Japan on August 22. The case has now raised concerns over a possible leak of judicial results through a translation channel. A Chinese national claiming to have served as a court interpreter stated on WeChat Moments that Wu Xiong may face a 10-day detention and a 500,000 yen fine (approximately 100,000 TWD), though Japanese authorities have not officially confirmed this.

The individual, who claims to have attended both the prosecutor's office and court for two consecutive half-days, posted the outcome on social media alongside prior Japanese media coverage of the incident. While the post suggests direct access to judicial proceedings, there is currently no official verification of the person's identity or involvement in the case from Japanese authorities.

Following the spread of the post, public attention has partially shifted from Wu Xiong to the interpreter. Critics question whether it is ethically acceptable for a judicial interpreter to disclose case results on a private social platform before official announcements. Others reacted to the reported penalty, calling it lighter than expected. However, until officially confirmed by Japanese authorities, this information should not be treated as a final judgment.

The incident dates back to April, when Wu Xiong allegedly poured an oily substance on the 'Buddha's Footprint Stone' during a visit to Yakushi-ji Temple. She was not arrested at the time. The stone, created in 753 AD, bears carvings symbolizing the footprint of Buddha and is over 1,200 years old, designated as a National Important Cultural Property. The case attracted significant media attention in Japan.

The key issue remains the source of the information. The reported penalty of '10-day detention and 500,000 yen fine' originated from a private social media post by someone claiming to be an interpreter. To date, Japanese courts, prosecutors, and media have not released official verdict details. Therefore, the most accurate description at this stage is a 'suspected leak of judicial outcome,' not a confirmed sentence. Whether Wu Xiong will be formally prosecuted, and the final legal consequences, must await official confirmation from Japanese judicial authorities.

Wu Xiong was arrested for allegedly pouring glycerin on the national treasure 'Buddha's Footprint Stone' at Nara's Yakushi-ji Temple.