Metabolist hotel remains closed
A hotel by a famed metabolist architect on Sado Island, Niigata, looks to remain closed indefinitely. The Sado Grand Hotel was designed by Kiyonori Kikutake (1928 - 2011), one of the founders of the Metabolist architectural movement, and built in 1967.
93-yr old bathhouse being demolished
Demolition of a historic and famous bathhouse in Kitasenju began on March 10. Daikoku-yu was one of Tokyo's leading examples of the 'miya-tsukuri' style of architecture often used for palaces, shrines, and temples, but also popular for larger bathhouses.
Modernist building by Togo Murano to be demolished
Demolition of a 55-year old office building designed by modernist architect Togo Murano will start in June. The demolition process is expected to take 12 months, with a new building to be completed by 2025.
Historic 103-yr old hotel in Kobe sold
On March 7, Sanyo Electric Railway announced the sale of the historic former Maiko Hotel in Kobe City.
The last Dojunkai house of Ogikubo to be demolished
A traditional Japanese home north of Ogikubo Station will ultimately be demolished as the owner prepares to sell to a real estate developer. The single-family home and garden will be replaced with five new houses.
Tiny modernist house demolished
A 60-year old modernist home in Tokyo’s Nakano Ward has just been demolished. The ‘SH-60’ house was designed by Kenji Hirose. It had a floor area of just 29 sqm (312 sq.ft) and was designed for a famous painter and illustrator.
In Kanazawa, 100 historic townhouses are demolished each year
The historic merchant city of Kanazawa is seeing as many as 100 of its historic machiya-style townhouses demolished each year. And while there are efforts underway to preserve as many homes as possible, there are still some high hurdles that remain.