City worries about preservation as heritage-listed imperial residence in Kyoto is sold to developer

Kyoto City was in discussions with the owner of a nationally registered Tangible Cultural Property after learning of plans to sell the 150+ year old historic building and land. A few days later, it was announced that a major developer has acquired the property with future plans for the site yet to be decided.Read more


Modernist hall in Okayama to be demolished

The modernist Okayama Civic Hall in Okayama City closed its doors at the end of last month as the city prepares for its demolition due to concerns over earthquake resistance.Read more


Historic Gakushi Kaikan to be partially demolished

Demolition of half of the historic Gakushi Kaikan (学士会館) will start in 2025. The property was built in the 1920s and 1930s as club facilities for graduates of several national universities, and registered as a National Tangible Cultural Property in 2003.Read more


Modernist theatre demolition delayed due to rising construction costs

Rising construction costs might have granted the National Theatre an inadvertent temporary reprieve of demolition. The 57-year old modernist building was scheduled to meet with the wrecking ball sometime after the end of October.Read more


Wakayama demolishing abandoned hotel

A long-abandoned hotel in Japan’s Amalfi is being forcibly demolished by the city government in response to complaints from local residents. Located on a cliffside position, the former Taikobo Hotel overlooks the Saikazaki Fishing Harbor on Wakayama City’s coastal area.Read more


Historic Osaka office building demolished and sold to developer

A landmark heritage building alongside Dojima River in Osaka is under demolition by a local developer. Demolition started in April 2023 with completion expected by late October.Read more


Demolition starts on 56-yr old building in Akasaka

Demolition of the 56-year old Sankaido Building near the US Embassy will start this month. The building is making way for a new redevelopment project by Norin Suisan Shoreikai and construction giant Kajima Corporation.Read more