Japanese Court Gives U.S. Surgeon Suspended Sentence for Vandalizing Heritage Sites

A Japanese court handed New York surgeon Dr. Masahide Kanayama an 18-month suspended prison term for vandalizing ancient religious sites protected under Japan's cultural property laws. Kanayama had fought extradition in U.S. federal court; a judge denied his bid in February 2026. The suspended sentence means no prison time unless he reoffends during the suspension period.