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Taiwanese actress and presenter Deborah Tsai Yi Chen was fined 500,000 yen (Rp 56 juta) on September 2 by Japanese authorities for pouring a glycerin-containing liquid onto a stone monument more than 1,200 years old at Yakushiji Temple in Nara, according to reports from Kompas.com and Japanese police.
Incident Details and Police Investigation at Yakushiji Temple
The incident occurred on April 6 when Tsai visited the historic site, where surveillance footage captured an individual shaking a small bottle and pouring liquid over stone-carved lines depicting the footprints of Buddha Shakyamuni. According to Japanese police, the liquid contained glycerin and stained the ancient artifact. Temple staff discovered traces of the liquid on the national treasure and notified local law enforcement. Following an identification process, authorities arrested the 39-year-old actress in Osaka prefecture on August 22 when she re-entered Japan.
Public Apology and Legal Resolution
Tsai, widely known as Wuxiong for her roles in Taiwanese idol dramas such as KO One, was released on the night of September 2 after completing investigations, according to her social media statements posted late on September 3. In her public apology written in Mandarin and Japanese, Tsai stated that she cooperated fully with authorities and gave honest statements during the inquiry. “I have offended Yakushiji Temple in Japan and caused distress and loss to the Japanese people through my own ignorance and behavior,” she wrote, adding that she had no excuse for failing to understand local laws and cultural assets.
Did you know? Yakushiji Temple in Nara is one of Japan’s oldest and most significant imperial Buddhist temples, originally founded in the late 7th century and housing numerous designated national treasures.
Prior Statements and Management Response
Prior to Tsai’s release, her manager issued a public apology on August 24 via social media, noting at the time that the actress could not be reached. Tsai later acknowledged the gravity of the offense, stating that regardless of her initial motives, she should have considered the feelings of others and respected the historical significance of protected heritage sites across different nations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Deborah Tsai Yi Chen fined in Japan?
According to Japanese police and reports by Kompas.com, Tsai was fined 500,000 yen for pouring a glycerin-based liquid onto a stone monument more than 1,200 years old depicting Buddha Shakyamuni’s footprints at Yakushiji Temple.
When did the vandalism at Yakushiji Temple take place?
The incident occurred on April 6, leading to a police investigation, an arrest upon Tsai’s return to Japan on August 22, and a legal fine issued on September 2.
What role is Deborah Tsai best known for?
Tsai is widely recognized by her stage name Wuxiong for her role as a student in the Taiwanese idol drama series KO One, broadcast between 2005 and 2006, as well as subsequent sequels.
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