The technology and experience cultivated by Mitsubishi Jisho Design has been brought together

The current "GINZA KABUKIZA" project is a mixed-use development that includes the Kabukiza and Kabukiza Tower. The site in Ginza 4-chome, formerly Kobikicho, is where the Kabukiza has been located since 1889. The previous Kabukiza (4th Kabukiza), beloved by many Kabuki fans for many years, was the 3rd Kabukiza designed by architect Okada Shinichiro and built in 1924, but was damaged in the war and subsequently renovated by architect Yoshida Isohachi. The previous Kabukiza was made of reinforced concrete and beautifully expressed the traditional style, but due to deterioration of the structure caused by two fires, as well as issues with earthquake resistance and barrier-free access, it was forced to undergo a drastic functional upgrade, i.e. a complete rebuild.

Kabuki, a traditional art form that Japan takes pride in around the world, and its temple, the Kabukiza, are in fact protected by private companies, Shochiku Co., Ltd. and Kabukiza Co., Ltd. In order to ensure that Kabuki and the Kabukiza will continue to be passed down forever, it was necessary to ensure stable business viability by effectively utilizing the land and building an office building alongside it. In other words, this project is an urban regeneration project with the main focus on the preservation of the Kabukiza, the landmark of Ginza and the temple of Kabuki. The project began in 2006 and has been going for about seven years. Within the framework of urban regeneration development, we have been tackling the important theme of how to preserve the "tradition of the Kabukiza" that has been passed down to the fourth stage.

We have been involved in a number of redevelopment projects involving the succession of historical buildings. The The Industry Club of Japan,  Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking district with the preservation of the Japan Industrial Club Hall (registered tangible cultural property), the MYPLAZA district with the preservation of the Meiji Seimei Kan (nationally important cultural property), the Marunouchi Park Building district with the restoration of Mitsubishi Ichigokan, and the JP Tower district with the preservation of the Tokyo Central Post Office Building are just a few of the many cases of historical succession that we have undertaken in redevelopment projects. The Tokyo Central Post Office Building was preserved in the JP Tower area. I have been involved in three of these cases, with the exception of the Meiji Seimei Kan.

Since the fifth Kabukiza opened, the opening performances have been packed with eagerly awaited Kabuki fans every night, and the reviews have been excellent. I was also happy to hear many people say, "The nostalgic Kabukiza has returned, just like before." When the fifth Kabukiza was completed and I experienced the exterior and interior spaces of the building once again, I felt a connection with the fourth Kabukiza in my memory, and the scene of the site that I had been witnessing in reality until then seemed like a dream. This moment is sure to come in any project that involves the preservation of the history of a historic building. It is at this moment that you can recognize that the preservation of history has been successful. I believe that the fans, business owners, and actors who support the tradition of Kabuki have also connected with the Kabukiza in their memories, just like me. I also believe that the success of the project was the result of the extraordinary cooperation and guidance of all those involved, and I would like to express my gratitude to Shochiku and Kabukiza for giving me the opportunity to be involved in this wonderful project.