Japanese monk begins 12-year isolation at Mount Hiei temple

Sogaku Taguchi, a 31-year-old monk, entered a 12-year isolation at Nanzambo Temple on Mount Hiei in Otsu on September 11, 2026. He will have no contact with anyone until 2038 while performing ascetic practices that have killed monks before. He is the 118th Jishin since 1699.