The first high-rise to have been built in the Marunouchi business district in front of Tokyo Station is set to be demolished, and the site redeveloped along with its annex building.
The Tokyo Marine Nichido Insurance Building was built in 1974 and designed by Kunio Maekawa. At a height of 108 meters, it was Marunocuhi’s first ‘high-rise’ building. Originally meant to be 130 meters, that height was considered too tall for its time, and plans were revised downwards to a more conservative height. The building created a stir as Marunouchi was designated as an Aesthetic District in 1933 to protect the area surrounding the Imperial Palace. Maekawa’s construction plans for a 130-meter tall tower were rejected by the Tokyo Government in 1967 because a high-rise would impose over the nearby Palace. Eventually, plans were approved for the smaller tower, with construction starting in 1970. Construction costs totaled 13.1 billion Yen (US$120.3 million).
Tokyo Marine has been in this location since 1895, originally leasing the corner lot from Mitsubishi and later purchasing the 10,000 square meters of land in 1929. In 1918, they completed their Tokyo Marine Building, which is said to have been the first time the word ‘Building’ was used in a building name in Japan. A second building was added next-door in 1930. During the post-war occupation, the old building was confiscated by the US forces and temporarily converted into the Old Kaijo Hotel, with the newer building used as the HQ for the Far East Air Forces. They were returned to Tokyo Marine in 1956. Demolition of the old buildings began in 1966, replaced by the current buildings in 1974 and 1985 (annex).
Tokyo Marine Holdings made the decision to redevelop in response to changes in working styles and a need to prioritize safety in the event of a disaster. Demolition of the current buildings will start in 2023 with a new building completed in 2028. Tokyo Marine will occupy the new building upon completion.
For more on this story, go to Japan Property Central.