Overview
- Officials announced the incident on November 21 and said a damage report was submitted to Hyogo Prefectural Police.
- Security cameras recorded a man removing and burning the posted notice shortly after midnight on November 9 near the south Otemon gate.
- The historic gate sustained no damage, and charred remnants of the notice were found on the ground.
- A tourist spotted what appeared to be flames and called 110, and witness descriptions indicated a graying-haired man about 60–70 years old, 160–170 centimeters tall, wearing a cap.
- The notice stated that south-side areas are closed from midnight to 5 a.m., part of access controls at the World Heritage site, and the investigation remains ongoing.