A fire has devastated the historic Reikado Hall at the Daisho-in temple complex on Miyajima island in Hiroshima prefecture, destroying the structure that housed a sacred 'eternal flame' believed to have burned for over 1,200 years. The flame, first lit in 806 by Buddhist monk Kukai, survived as it was preserved separately, but the destruction of the hall has reignited debates about the vulnerability of Japan's wooden cultural heritage. Despite modern disaster management systems, traditional wooden architecture remains at high risk from fire, earthquakes, and typhoons. This incident is particularly poignant as the Reikado flame symbolizes both spiritual continuity and Japan's post-war peace identity, having previously ignited the 'Flame of Peace' at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. The Reikado Hall had faced similar destruction in 2005, emphasizing the ongoing threats to such historic sites. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the fire, which has also prompted discussions on improving safety measures without compromising the authenticity of these vital cultural landmarks.