Taiwanese Entertainer Fined for Vandalizing Japanese Temple Treasure

A Taiwanese entertainer has been fined 500,000 yen for vandalizing the Buddha's Footprint Stone at Yakushiji Temple in Nara Prefecture, Japan.

The incident occurred in April when a 39-year-old event emcee, known by her stage name Wu-hsiung, dripped oil onto the national treasure located within the World Heritage-listed temple.

She was arrested on August 22 and released after paying the fine following a summary indictment, a simplified criminal procedure for minor offenses in Japan's legal system.

In an interview with investigators, Wu-hsiung explained that she had the habit of sprinkling oil onto items that move her emotionally, and apologized to Japan and Yakushiji Temple for her actions.