After receiving the education minister's prize in March 2006 [1], allegations of plagiarism surfaced after an anonymous tip-off was received by the Japan Artists Association and Agency for Cultural Affairs in April putting into question the authenticity of some of Wada's paintings.
An investigation revealed that several of Wada's works had striking similarities to those of Alberto Sughi.
He denies plagiarism stating that he had worked with Sughi and was inspired by their collaboration.
However, Sughi said he had no idea Wada was a painter and had thought he was just an admirer of his artwork.
He was contacted by the Japanese embassy in Italy in early May of that year and was shocked to learn of Wada's paintings.