According to Japanese media reports, in April this year, a 39-year-old woman from Taiwan was suspected of spraying an unknown liquid on the national treasure 'Buddha Foot Stone' at Yakushi-ji Temple in Nara, causing stains on the surface of the cultural relic. The following day, she took a flight back to Taiwan. The Nara County police tested the unknown liquid and identified the woman. On August 22, the woman entered Japan again and was arrested by the police at Kansai International Airport. She is currently being investigated for suspected violation of the Cultural Property Protection Act.
"Buddha Foot Stone" stains
Reports say that the woman did not deny having poured oil on the “Buddha Foot Stone” during the investigation, but emphasized that she had no intention of damaging the cultural relic. She also explained that she usually “prays by pouring oil when she encounters something touching.”
According to Taiwanese media reports, the woman is suspected to be Taiwanese artist Tsai Yi-chen (Wu Xiong). Tsai Yi-chen's sister, Tsai Han-chen, responded through her agent on August 23: "Sister Han-chen only learned about this from the news and is still trying to understand the situation."
Cai Yizhen
The "Buddha Foot Stone" was carved in the 753rd year of the Nara period. It depicts the footprints of Siddhartha Gautama. It is considered to be the oldest existing Buddha Foot Stone in Japan and has been designated as a national treasure, holding significant historical and cultural value.
It is reported that Cai Yizhen became famous for playing Cai Wuchong in ‘The Final Class’, and thus debuted under the stage name ‘Wuchong’. His notable works include ‘Final Three’ and ‘Truancy Kiss 2’.
Some netizens speculate that Cai Yizhen’s act of “praying while being oiled” is related to her religious beliefs. Cai Yizhen revealed in a program that she met her outside-the-cast husband because of religious differences, and they got engaged after just four months before getting married quickly.