Former Kobe Sumitomo Building to be demolished
The former Kobe Sumitomo Building in Kobe is going to be demolished this month.
Built in 1934, the 3-storey building was originally the Kobe branch of the Sumitomo Bank. It was a landmark in the former foreign settlement area around Motomachi.Read more
[Foreclosed] 1898 Ijinkan in Kitanocho, Kobe
*Update: The property was withdrawn from the auction. This can occur when the creditor/s are either paid the outstanding debt or reach an agreement with the borrower.
The former Moore residence in Kobe's historic Kitanocho district will go up for public auction this month with bidding starting from 45.6 million Yen (442,000 USD).
The 2-storey western-style residence was built in 1898, with an extension to the rear added in 1980. It fronts onto Kitano Street, which is a popular spot for tourists.
Both the exterior and fence that face the street have been identified by Kobe City's Board of Education as traditional structures and any exterior alterations require permission (internal modifications, however, are allowed). Read more
Daiwa House to demolish modernist building in Kobe
An example of Japan's pre-war modernist architecture is slated for demolition in February. The former Osaka Gas Shinkaichi Building in Chuo-ku, Kobe, has survived WWII firebombing raids and the 1995 Great Hanshin earthquake, but is unlikely to survive the urban redevelopment as it will soon be replaced by an apartment building. Read more
Kamakura Museum of Modern Art at risk of demolition
The Museum of Modern Art, Kamakura & Hayama is facing possible demolition as the prefecture has decided not to renew the land lease with the landowner (the nearby Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu shrine). The prefecture's difficult financial situation has meant that they cannot continue to operate the museum and it is scheduled to close at the end of March 2016.Read more
Kobe's Jonas Residence to be torn down after sale falls through
The final bid to save the former Jonas Residence in Shioya, Kobe, from demolition has failed after the possible buyer backed out of discussions.
In late September a renewable energy-related company began negotiations with the seller - developer Anabuki Kosan - to purchase the historic house and land. Unfortunately the two parties could not come to an agreement on the sale price and the buyer walked away from the deal on October 10.Read more
Old Andersen bakery in Hiroshima to be demolished
The 88-year old Andersen bakery in Hiroshima is going to be demolished and rebuilt by Andersen Group as repairs and upgrades to the existing building prove too costly.
The renaissance style building was designed by architect Uheji Nagano and completed in 1925. It was originally the Hiroshima branch of the Teikoku Bank (which later merged to become part of the Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation). Mr. Nagano designed a number of buildings for the Bank of Japan, including their head office which still stands in Nihonbashi, Tokyo.Read more
Historic villa restored and open to the public in Nagoya
Nagoya City has completed the restoration of the historic Choshokaku reception hall (c1935) and will open the building to the public from August 29.
The hall is part of the Yokiso estate which was owned by Suketami Ito (1878 - 1940), the first company president of the Matsuzakaya Department Store.Read more