World Heritage Himeji Castle's Outer Wall Damaged, Possibly Due to Typhoon Chan-hom

(Central News Agency, Hyogo, 4th, combined foreign reports) According to Kyodo News, part of the outer wall plaster of the UNESCO World Heritage site 'Himeji Castle' has peeled off, believed to be caused by strong winds from Typhoon 'Chan-hom'.

Himeji Castle is known as 'White Heron Castle' due to its white plastered walls and elegant architecture.

According to the Himeji City government in Hyogo Prefecture, the damage was confirmed on the outer wall of 'Ho-no-Yagura' (the fifth watchtower), a nationally designated Important Cultural Property located on the north side of the main keep.

The plaster near the lattice window of 'Ho-no-Yagura' has peeled off, and the exact extent of the damage is currently under investigation. The city stated that a patrol discovered the damage at noon on the 3rd, but the fallen plaster fragments have not yet been found.

According to data from the Japan Meteorological Agency, a maximum instantaneous wind speed of 25.2 meters per second was recorded in Himeji City early on the morning of the 3rd. The Himeji City government stated that it will discuss specific restoration plans going forward. (Editor: Li Jing / Supervisor: Hong Peiying) 1150604