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
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
Kenzo Tange-designed gymnasium to be demolished
Despite the best efforts of preservation groups and years of deliberations by local government, the brutalist curved concrete Kagawa Prefectural Gymnasium is heading to demolition, with the prefecture setting aside a budget of 46 million Yen to tear down the landmark building.
City steps in to preserve historic building in Amagasaki
A 120-year-old building in Amagasaki City has been saved from demolition with the owner donating the building for free to the city. The city will be acquiring the 3,000 sqm of land it sits on within the year.
Historic school building in Ueno to be demolished
The 94-year-old former Shitaya Elementary School in Ueno will be demolished by Taito ward sometime in 2023. This was one of the ‘revival elementary schools’ built after the devastating 1923 Great Kanto earthquake.
Imperial Theatre to be demolished
The Teigeki, or Imperial Theatre, in Marunouchi will temporarily close in 2025 as the building undergoes redevelopment.