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TOKYO — “Tekko Kaikan” roughly translates as the “steel industry hall,” and the building by that name in the Japanese capital’s Chuo Ward indeed symbolizes the strength of steel.
The hall was built in 1966, at the height of Japan’s rapid economic growth period, as “a place where people in the steel industry could gather.” With curtain walls of stainless steel panels that boast superior strength and durability, the building’s distinctive exterior is recognizable even from a distance.
The facility has 14 meeting rooms of various sizes, of which the seventh floor’s Room 702 is especially unique. The ceiling leaves an impression, with large round lights in a gently curved hollow. The walls are covered with marble imported from Milan, Italy, and a genuine leather sofa sits on the floor. With its stately atmosphere, the space has also been used for filming.
On the ceiling of the ninth-floor restaurant are steel pipes assembled in a diamond-shaped pattern. The sight is breathtaking, and seems to symbolize the strength of steel. The restaurant is temporarily closed, but has also been used as a venue for social gatherings and press conferences, taking advantage of its large space.
The architectural beauty of the building, with its unique style, is as brilliant as ever.
(Japanese original by Akihiro Ogomori, Photo and Video Department)
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The Japanese version of this article was originally published on Aug. 1, 2021.
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This series explores Japan’s architectural wonders and secrets of yesteryear. Read more Retro Japan articles here.
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