Posts : 404 Points : 897 Reputation : 1 Join date : 2015-02-27 Location : England
Subject: Vandalism to cultural assets spreads further Fri Apr 17, 2015 12:29 pm
Japanese police say vandalism at temples and shrines with oil-like liquid has spread further. They say they are stepping up their investigation.
Officials of the National Police Agency say 33 temples and shrines in 9 prefectures have reported damage to cultural assets by oily liquid since February.
Nara Prefecture in western Japan has had the most cases, with vandalism at 19 temples and shrines.
Stains have been found on national treasures and important cultural properties at Todaiji and Toshodaiji temples, among others. Both are World Heritage sites.
In neighboring Kyoto Prefecture, oily liquid was found on properties at 4 locations, including Toji temple, also a World Heritage site.
In Chiba Prefecture, eastern Japan, Naritasan Shinshoji temple and 2 other locations suffered similar damage. Two institutions reported damage in Hyogo Prefecture, western Japan.
Similar vandalism was found in Niigata Prefecture on the Sea of Japan. Ibaraki, Shizuoka, Shiga and Kagawa prefectures had damage at one location each.