Ancient Temple in Toyama, Japan, Engulfed in Flames at Night; Main Hall of Daihō-ji Temple Suspected to Be Completely Destroyed

Daihō-ji Temple, located in Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture, Japan, caught fire yesterday, with nearly 20 fire trucks dispatched to the scene. The fire was extinguished at around 3:30 AM today, approximately 8 hours and 40 minutes after it started. According to sources, 'the main hall was completely burned down.' According to the temple's official website, it was founded in 1453 during Japan's Muromachi period. Takaoka City residents reported to the fire department around 6:45 PM yesterday, stating, 'Black smoke and flames are coming from the roof within the Daihō-ji Temple grounds.' Police said four people, including the head priest Keiin Kuriyama, live at the temple. At the time of the fire, only the priest was present, but he escaped safely and was unharmed. No injuries or casualties have been reported. The temple houses works by the ancient Japanese painter Hasegawa Tōhaku and is a designated National Important Cultural Property. A related person revealed, 'The main hall has been completely destroyed.' During the firefighting efforts, a fire was also discovered on the second floor of the Tonomachi Mikurumayama Community Hall, about 60 meters southwest of the temple, which was also extinguished. Police and fire officials will inspect the site starting at 10 AM today to investigate the cause of the fire and its spread.