Major Fire Tears Through Meirin Shopping Street in Japan’s Ise City

A major fire broke out at Meirin Shopping Street in Iwabuchi 1-chome, Ise City, Mie Prefecture, on August 31. The fire started at around 3:15 PM and quickly spread through the densely packed wooden buildings of the postwar-era shopping street near Ujiyamada Station. Footage shows intense flames engulfing buildings, with thick black smoke rising over the narrow shopping arcade as firefighters worked to contain the blaze. The fire spread to multiple stores and severely damaged the historic shopping street, located close to Ise Grand Shrine’s outer shrine. Firefighters brought the blaze under control after around four hours. No injuries were reported, while nearby inns also offered assistance to those affected. Video Credit: @Isenotami Filmed by: @Isenotami