About
Okuno Building, standing quietly on a back street in Ginza 1-chome, is a structure that strongly retains the atmosphere of early Showa-era architecture. The main building was completed in 1932, and the annex in 1934. Known at the time as the “Ginza Apartment,” this building was a luxury rental residence constructed during the reconstruction period following the Great Kanto Earthquake. The architect was Ryoichi Kawamoto, renowned for designing the Dojunkai Apartments. Featuring a sturdy reinforced concrete structure, it was equipped with Japan’s first elevator in a private residence, as well as state-of-the-art facilities for the time, such as central heating throughout the building, a communal bath, and a rooftop laundry area. (nippon.com)
The exterior is covered with scratch tiles, and the balconies are designed with spaces for plants. This design is reminiscent of French apartments and adds a unique charm to the streetscape of Ginza. Upon entering the building, you are greeted by a manually operated elevator. The yellow accordion door is opened and closed by hand, and the floor indicator retains its original design. The floor of the corridor is worn down in the center from years of use, telling the story of the lives of people who have passed through since the early Showa era. (suumo.jp)
In the past, many cultural figures such as poet Yaso Saijo, film director Kenji Mizoguchi, and actress Kinuyo Tanaka lived in this building and devoted themselves to creative activities. After the war, Okuno Building shifted from residential to office use, flexibly adapting to changing times and creating new value. Today, it has been reborn as a “retro art building” housing galleries and antique shops, and its unique atmosphere attracts many art lovers and tourists. (nippon.com)
Room 306, in particular, was once used as a beauty salon and is now preserved as part of the “Ginza Okuno Building Room 306 Project.” As a valuable space that conveys the lifestyle of the Showa era, it preserves the atmosphere of those days to the present. (nippon.com)
In this place, a step away from the bustle of Ginza, you can feel the architectural beauty and cultural spirit of the early Showa period. Okuno Building is a hidden gem of Ginza that continues to fascinate people across generations.