In the morning of the 19th, at around 8:40 AM, a fire was reported at a residential house in Miyata Village, Nagano Prefecture. The house, known as the Ebisuyahara residence, is a designated tangible cultural property of Japan, and it burnt for approximately two hours before being extinguished. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported as both of the house's residents were out at the time of the fire.

According to the Komagane Police Department, the Ebisuyahara residence, a two-story wooden structure, had been recognized as a national tangible cultural property only in March 2024. Historical records indicate that the building dates back to the late Edo period, specifically between 1751 and 1830. Located along the Ina Highway in the old lodging area of Miyata, it served as a guesthouse until around 1964. This residence is not only significant for its age but also for its representation of traditional lodging architecture and construction methods from the Edo era.

The loss of this cultural property is a painful reminder of the fragility of our historical assets. As authorities begin their investigation to determine the cause of the fire, conversations around the preservation of such important historical sites in Japan are likely to resurface, highlighting the need for better protection of cultural heritage from potential hazards, including fire.