Shinagawa Nakanobu Dojunkai Ebara 2A densely packed neighbourhood built after the 1923 Great Kanto earthquake is about to be demolished and replaced with a 40 meter tall, 13-storey apartment building. Construction is scheduled to start in 2017 with completion by early 2019.

The former Dojunkai Ebara Jutaku was a housing subdivision that was developed as part of Tokyo’s recovery following the devastating 1923 earthquake. It contained a number of wood-framed 2-storey homes fronting onto narrow pathways. The neighbourhood was originally laid out in a circular pattern, similar to the area in front of Denenchofu Station, with 356 houses, a playground, clinic and shops. Most of the area was destroyed during WWII air raids and re-arranged post-war, with only the current small block surviving to this day.

The Dojunkai corporation was established in 1924 to meet a need for housing, particularly earthquake and fire-resistant housing, following the 1923 earthquake. Between 1925 and 1934, 16 apartment buildings were built across Tokyo and Yokohama and several housing subdivisions were also developed. Unfortunately all of the apartment buildings have been demolished in recent years due to redevelopment.

Shinagawa Nakanobu Dojunkai Ebara 1

Shinagawa Nakanobu Dojunkai Ebara 1936
An aerial photograph from 1936 shows the Dojunkai subdivision clearly.
Shinagawa Nakanobu Dojunkai Ebara 1949
Only a few streets remained in 1949.
Shinagawa Nakanobu Dojunkai Ebara 2016
The area highlighted is due to be redeveloped.

The tiny laneways and crowded groups of non-fireproof houses has been of growing concern for residents. Many of the homes are on blocks of land less than 60 sqm (645 sq.ft) in size and fronting onto pathways less than 2 meters wide. This makes it difficult to rebuild on the existing blocks, and also makes it impossible for firetrucks and ambulances to access the properties. Over 90% of the homes are wood-frame, and 80% are built to the older and outdated earthquake-resistant building codes. The density of the houses also increases the risk of fire spreading to neighbouring homes.

There are over 80 individual landowners in the redevelopment zone. Approximately two-thirds have agreed to the redevelopment. Representatives from the local redevelopment committee are continuing on with discussions with the remaining landowners to seek agreement for the transfer of the remaining land rights.

Shinagawa Nakanobu 1

Redevelopment is expected to cost around 9.7 billion Yen (approx. 88 million USD). Funds will be provided from the national government, Tokyo metropolitan government, Shinagawa Ward, as well as contributions from the sale of a number of the apartments in the new building.

The new building will contain approximately 200 apartments. The property will become one of the district’s disaster prevention sites, and will include emergency well water and temporary toilets in the event of a natural disaster.

Location

Nakanobu 2 Chome, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo

Sources:
The Tokyo Shimbun, April 6, 2016.
Asahi Kasei News Letter, March 7, 2016.

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