Archive · 26 Aug 2026
Taiwanese TV Host Detained Over Liquid Poured On Sacred Stone
A Taiwanese television host was detained in Japan over an incident at an old Buddhist temple.
Police say she poured a liquid onto a sacred stone called the Buddha's Footprint Stone.
The incident allegedly happened at Yakushiji Temple in Nara on April 6.
Tests reportedly identified the liquid as glycerin, which is also used in cosmetics.
Police found the woman after studying security-camera footage.
She had already left Japan but was detained when she returned on August 22.
She reportedly said she sometimes pours oil on things that strongly affect her during prayer.
Her manager said investigators were still checking the facts and asked people not to make quick judgments.
Japanese authorities detained 39-year-old Taiwanese TV host Tsai Yi-zhen at Kansai International Airport on August 22.
She is accused of pouring glycerin onto the Buddha's Footprint Stone at Nara's Yakushiji Temple on April 6.
Police reportedly identified her through security-camera footage after she had left Japan.
Tsai allegedly told investigators that she pours oil on objects that deeply move her as part of her prayers.
Her manager said the case remained under investigation and urged the public not to judge based on unconfirmed reports.
- Who
- Japanese authorities detained Taiwanese TV host Tsai Yi-zhen, who Taiwanese reports identified as actress Wu Xiong.
- What
- She is accused of pouring liquid, reportedly identified as glycerin, onto the Buddha's Footprint Stone.
- When
- The alleged act occurred on April 6, and she was detained after reentering Japan on August 22.
- Where
- The incident allegedly occurred at Yakushiji Temple in Nara, Japan; the detention occurred at Kansai International Airport.
- Why
- Authorities suspect a breach of Japan's Act on Protection of Cultural Properties; Tsai reportedly described the act as part of a prayer ritual.
Authorities' Allegations
Manager's Caution
What happened at the temple
Authorities' Allegations
Police allege that Tsai poured liquid onto the Buddha's Footprint Stone and suspect that the act violated Japan's cultural-property protection law.
Manager's Caution
Her manager said the available details were insufficient and declined to address the specific accusations while the investigation continued.
Meaning of the act
Authorities' Allegations
Investigators reportedly say Tsai acknowledged the allegation and explained that she pours oil on objects that deeply move her during prayer.
Manager's Caution
The manager and the family said they were working with a Japan-based lawyer to establish the facts and urged the public to avoid conclusions based on unconfirmed reports.
Nature of the liquid
Authorities' Allegations
Examination of residue reportedly identified glycerin, a clear liquid commonly used in cosmetics and skincare products.
Manager's Caution
Tsai reportedly described the substance as oil, creating a difference between her account and the reported test result.
- Suspect
- Tsai Yi-zhen, a 39-year-old Taiwanese TV host; Taiwanese reports identified her as actress Wu Xiong.
- Alleged date
- April 6
- Detention date
- August 22
- Site
- Yakushiji Temple in Nara, Japan
- Sacred object
- The Buddha's Footprint Stone, or Bussokuseki
- Substance
- Authorities reportedly determined that the residue was glycerin; Tsai referred to pouring oil.
- Cultural status
- The stone is designated a Japanese national treasure and is believed to date to 753 AD.
- Investigation status
- Japanese authorities were still investigating as of the manager's August 24 statement.