TOKYO, Jan 09 (News On Japan) - A fire that broke out Monday afternoon in 'Mejiro Palace,' the residence of former Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka, has completely destroyed the Tokyo property, a symbol of Showa-era's political history.

Former Foreign Minister Makiko Tanaka and her husband Naoki Tanaka, who previously served as Defense Minister, were in the residence when the fire was reported before 3:00 PM. They were safely evacuated, and Makiko later mentioned that incense was being burned at the time of the fire. The Metropolitan Police Department is currently investigating the cause of the fire.

The local community were in shock, as the property, once a popular meeting spot for politicians and dignitaries known as the "Mejiro Pilgrimage," was consumed by white smoke and flames. Witnesses reported seeing a massive plume of smoke emanating from the Tanaka residence, with the fire being so intense that it even threatened nearby buildings.

The residence, a two-story building covering 800 square meters, had been the backdrop for many significant historical events, including the Lockheed scandal during which ex-Prime Minister Tanaka was a central figure and was later arrested. Following Tanaka's death, a portion of the large estate was transferred to the government as a payment for inheritance taxes, which resulted in a smaller property size.

The fire was reported before 3:00 PM, with 23 fire engines dispatch but unable to save the old Tanaka residence which was totally engulfed in flames. No injuries or people trapped in the fire have been reported.

"Mejiro Palace" was once visited by supporters and petitioners from all over the country, forming lines, and became one of the stages of Showa-era politics. Even after being arrested for the Lockheed scandal and leaving the Liberal Democratic Party, Tanaka continued to wield significant influence in the political world and was referred to as "Mejiro's Shadow Shogun" because of the location of his residence. Ex-Prime Minister Tanaka passed away in the fifth year of the Heisei era.