A fire destroyed the Reikado Hall of Daishoin Temple on Miyajima Island this week, leveling the structure that housed an ancient eternal flame [1].
The loss of the hall represents a significant blow to the cultural and spiritual heritage of the region, as the site is a focal point for Buddhist practice near Mount Misen [2].
Authorities said the blaze broke out on Wednesday morning, May 21 [4]. Approximately 30 firefighters responded to the scene in Hatsukaichi city, Hiroshima Prefecture [3]. The fire was not extinguished until Thursday, May 22 [5].
The Reikado Hall was renowned for its eternal flame, which has been continuously lit for more than 1,200 years according to some reports [1], while others state it has burned for more than 1,000 years [2]. The discrepancy in the flame's age reflects varying historical records associated with the temple's long history.
While the hall was completely destroyed, reports on the status of the flame vary. Some sources said the flame was salvaged and moved to a different site [1], though other reports focused on the destruction of the housing structure without confirming the flame's survival [4].
The cause of the fire has not yet been reported [1]. The temple remains a critical landmark on Miyajima Island, where the ruins of the hall now stand against the backdrop of the island's mountainous terrain [2].
“The Reikado Hall was renowned for its eternal flame, which has been continuously lit for more than 1,200 years”
The destruction of the Reikado Hall highlights the vulnerability of ancient wooden religious structures to fire, a recurring challenge for Japan's historical preservation efforts. Because the eternal flame is a symbol of continuity and spiritual endurance, the uncertainty regarding its survival may prompt a wider investigation into the temple's disaster preparedness and the authentication of its historical artifacts.
