Japan's other aging problem
Most apartment buildings in Japan have a service life of approximately 60 years, after which it can become necessary to rebuild.
In the past 10 years, the number of apartment buildings in Japan over 30 years old has increased from 120,000 to 930,000 buildings. Of Tokyo's 23 Wards, 49% of apartments over 30 years old are located in the Minato, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Setagaya and Suginami Wards. Areas such as Roppongi, Akasaka, Jingumae, Minamiaoyama and Takanawa have the highest concentration of old apartments.
The Apartment Reconstruction Facilitation Law was established to provide regulation over the rebuilding of apartment buildings as well as supporting the rights of residents in these buildings.Read more
Demolition work starts on Roppongi spa
The scaffolding is up as demolition work began this weekend on Zaboo spa and onsen in Roppongi.
Located across the street from Roppongi Hills, Zaboo closed its doors on January 1, 2008 after less than 2 years in operation. The building was owned by Unimat Realty.
There are plans to build a multi-uni apartment building on the land, and possibly combining the land with the adjacent carpark.