Although the temple has been rebuilt over the centuries, the latest reconstruction occurred in 1998. The temple was completely burnt down in an air raid on Okayama in the early morning of June 29, 1945, but the stone pagoda and water bowl, though burnt and chipped, still remain, showing the intensity of World War II.[1] It caught fire in August 1898 during the Meiji period and was the first known renovation.
Gallery
An explanation board of the damage due to the air raid was installed in March 1998 by Okayama City Hall.
The temple's uniqueness is its focus on the arts. The temple's tatami room has been used as a venue for musical performances and other artistic events during art summits,[2][3] such as choral speaking, film screenings, and dance shows, since 1999. The temple's 15th-generation chief priest, Shinyu Shinohara, organizes the events and works as a live sound engineer.[4]