Tokyo's oldest ‘danchi’ apartment block to be redeveloped

Possibly the oldest surviving public housing block in Tokyo will soon be demolished to make way for new housing for its residents. The Nakano Jutaku was built in 1951, just six years after the end of WWII. It also preceded the former Japan Housing Agency (now the Urban Renaissance Agency) that was founded in 1955 to address a severe housing shortage.

Read more


Luxury apartments planned for historic art deco building

Real estate developer Mitsui Fudosan Residential is planning a large-scale, luxury apartment project for the former Tokyo Service Center building in central Tokyo. 

Read more


120-yr old Mitsui Besso in Karuizawa at risk of demolition

The recent sale of the original Karuizawa holiday home of Saburosuke Mitsui (1850-1912) to a buyer from an offshore tax haven has locals worried the historic house may soon be demolished.

Read more


Novelist's house in Kyoto to be demolished

The former Kyoto residence of novelist Naoya Shiga (1883-1971) is in its final preparations for demolition and sale. The 100+ year old home is 1.5 kilometers south of Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion).

Read more


120m tall office tower for Shibuya Station area

A 120-meter tall office tower is planned for a site just behind the Shibuya Hikarie building in central Tokyo.

Read more


Toho Twin Tower to be redeveloped



On June 25, film studio Toho announced plans to redevelop the Toho Twin Tower building in Yurakucho, Tokyo. Construction giant Takenaka Corporation will be in charge of planning and construction. 

Read more


Owner of abandoned hotel on Lake Towada sued by government

The Japanese government has sued the owner of a derelict hotel in Aomori Prefecture to demolish the building and return the state-owned land. The Towada Kanko Hotel sits on the shores of Lake Towada. It was founded in 1950 before closing in 2012. The owner filed for bankruptcy in 2014. 

Read more