Doctor sentenced for historic building damage

Doctor sentenced for historic building damage

The Chiba District Court sentenced 63-year-old doctor Masahide Kanayama to 18 months in prison, suspended for three years, for damaging historic buildings in Chiba Prefecture. The offense took place on March 25, 2015, when oil was splashed on structures at Katori Jingu in Katori and Naritasan Shinshoji Temple in Narita.

In announcing the ruling, Judge Yoko Sugiyama said the damaged buildings held substantial historical and cultural value and were difficult to repair. She also said Kanayama deserved strong condemnation for placing his religious beliefs above the law.

Key Events

  • The Chiba District Court handed Masahide Kanayama an 18-month prison sentence, suspended for three years.
  • Kanayama was convicted of damaging historic buildings at Katori Jingu and Naritasan Shinshoji Temple.
  • The damage occurred on March 25, 2015, when oil was splashed on the buildings.
  • Judge Yoko Sugiyama said the buildings had significant historical and cultural value.
  • The judge said Kanayama deserved strong condemnation for placing religious beliefs above the law.