A fire has completely destroyed the revered Reika-do Hall, known as the 'Eternal Flame' Shrine, on Miyajima Island. Originally established in 806 AD, the site was home to a fire that had been continuously burning for over 1200 years. The blaze, that razed the spiritual monument to the ground, took place in the early hours of Sunday, leaving local residents and worshippers in shock. While the cause of the fire is under investigation, it is known that no injuries have occurred as a result of the incident.

Within Japan, this incident is viewed with a sense of profound loss, akin to losing a historic memento. The undying flame of Reika-do Hall symbolized longevity and was a place of immense religious significance. Many blamed inadequate fire protection measures, calling for improved security and safety systems in all historic buildings.

In the context of the US or EU, a similar incident took place when Notre-Dame in Paris caught fire, causing significant damage to the historic cathedral. In these cases, the loss is seen as a cultural tragedy and efforts are often made to restore or rebuild the historical monument, provided it is feasible and within the scope of safety measures.