Okinawa’s Naha Tower sold to hotel operator
Naha Tower, a local landmark and relic of the 1970s, has been purchased by a Kyushu-based hotel operator for an undisclosed price. The seller was Tokyo-based Intrance Co., Ltd.
In 2006, developer Zephyr Co., Ltd. acquired the building and renamed it ‘Zephyr Naha Tower’. They filed for bankruptcy in 2008 and the building’s tenants moved out one month later. The building has been empty ever since. Intrance acquired the building in 2011. Read more
Hotel Okura Tokyo to be redeveloped
Yesterday it was announced that the Hotel Okura Tokyo in Toranomon, Minato-ku, will be redeveloped. The new hotel is expected to be completed in time for the 2020 Summer Olympics.
The current 408-room hotel was completed in 1962 - two years before Tokyo hosted the 1964 Summer Olympics. The annex building was completed in 1973. It has been a landmark hotel and has hosted numerous foreign dignitaries and VIPs, the most recent being US President Obama who stayed in the hotel during his visit to Tokyo in April.Read more
Historic Shinsaibashi Daimaru store to be demolished
J. Front Retailing recently announced plans to redevelop the 81-year old Daimaru Department Store in Shinsaibashi, Osaka.
The store was designed by US-born architect William Merrell Vories and completed in 1933. Design-wise, the building is considered to be the best department store in Japan. It is a well-known example of ‘Taisho Modern’ architecture which is a mix of art deco and neo-gothic styles. In 2003, it made the DOCOMOMO Japan list of the top 100 modern buildings in the country. Read more
Otemachi business area to see first apartments in 2017
Japan’s top business district is about to get its very first apartment development. Mitsubishi Jisho announced on April 14 that luxury serviced apartment operator, The Ascott Limited, will occupy part of a new high-rise development in Otemachi 1 Chome.
While the Singaporean company already operates Citidines and Somerset serviced apartments throughout Tokyo, this will be their first ‘Ascott The Residence’ branded property in Japan. The residence will cater to domestic and foreign business people looking for long-stay accommodation. The apartments should begin taking guests from early 2017. Read more
Akasaka Twin Tower demolition to begin next month
After several years of delays, Mori Trust will finally begin their redevelopment of the Akasaka Twin Tower buildings near Tameikesanno Station in Tokyo.
Taisei Corporation will begin demolition work of the 31-year old buildings in mid-May.
Sekisui House to acquire Akasaka building for 74 billion Yen
According to Reuters, Sekisui House plans to acquire the Kokusai Akasaka Building for 74 billion Yen (724 million USD). The office building is located alongside Sotobori Dori Avenue and is meters from Tameikesanno Station. It is also just across the street from Sanno Park Tower.Read more