A man has been arrested on suspicion of defacing the Ryo-an-ji temple that has been listed a World Heritage site in Kyoto. The 44-year-old suspect allegedly scribbled graffiti using an oil-based ink pen.

The suspect says he is a company worker who lives in Yokohama. Police say the suspect could be guilty of property damage for vandalizing the temple gate wall Sunday afternoon.

"Ware Sei-ryu" and "Kansha Suzaku" were scribbled on the wall in three colors. A sightseer notified the authorities. Police arrested the suspect shortly afterwards.

The suspect has admitted to the allegations, and reportedly says he was bubbling over with the urge to create something, and had an inspiration, so he wrote it down immediately.

The temple authorities say the incident is extremely regrettable, and they hope nothing like this ever happens again.

Source: ANNnewsCH