A 63-year-old Japanese doctor living in the U.S. is expected to be extradited to Japan after being implicated in a series of incidents from 2015 where oil-like substances were poured over various shrines across the nation. The Chiba Prefectural Police had sought an arrest warrant based on its investigations into two specific incidents that occurred in Chiba Prefecture. Despite the arrest warrant issued in 2015, the man had not returned to Japan after leaving for the U.S. and could not be apprehended until now.

Following diplomatic and legal procedures between Japan and the U.S., authorities finalized the extradition process. In January 2023, a U.S. federal court ruled to allow his extradition, and subsequent attempts by the suspect to appeal this decision have been unsuccessful. Upon his arrival in Japan, expected to be as early as the fourth of the current month, the Chiba police have stated that they will immediately arrest him on suspicion of property damage related to the Katori Shrine incident.

The incidents of shrine vandalism have been widespread, affecting 48 locations across 16 prefectures, including UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Nijo Castle and Todai-ji. Investigations have revealed the suspect’s connection to multiple incidents, noted through surveillance footage and rental car records. The defendant's lawyer has argued that his actions were not criminal, claiming he merely touched the buildings with a small amount of vegetable oil, indicating an intention to sanctify rather than damage the property.