As a "complex cultural hub"
New Kabukiza Theatre

Takeshi Tomita, Urban Planning Officer, Urban Development Management Department

This Kabukiza project can be considered a new example of a "Special Urban Renewal District (Special Zone)." A special zone is a special urban planning exception that allows for a high degree of freedom in planning redevelopment plans that utilize the ingenuity and creativity of the private sector to achieve great urban regeneration effects. Our role is to work with the business operators to refine proposals from the perspective of urban regeneration, and to coordinate opinions with the government to put together the overall plan and promote the project. Since this is work in the pre-design stage, the span is long, and this time, too, we started planning about seven years ago. Discussions began with questions from the government such as "A mere reconstruction of the Kabukiza will not be recognized as a special zone," and "How do you think about contributing to urban regeneration and contributing to the local community?"

In the event of a disaster, it can accommodate the majority of people unable to return home

The Kabukiza was originally a landmark for the area. The new Kabukiza also places importance on the element of "urban infrastructure development." The underground plaza "Kobikicho Square" is directly accessible from Higashi-Ginza Station on the subway, and will be the starting point of the network to Harumi-dori and Showa-dori. We have also worked to strengthen the environmental performance, incorporating various ideas such as adopting solar power generation that can be used as auxiliary power in the event of a disaster. In addition, the plan also includes opening the theater to the public in the event of a disaster as a measure to deal with people who are unable to return home, and using the underground square as a temporary evacuation site. It also plays a role as a disaster prevention base for the area, with a large stockpile of water and emergency food. In addition, we have not only improved the surrounding environment on the premises, but also Kobikicho Street and the subway concourse. This urban plan was meticulously designed, from prominent locations to the smallest details.

I was really moved when I saw the Kabukiza packed to capacity after it was completed. It really brought home to me the power of the Kabukiza. If we had chosen to move it to the suburbs, the only thing that would have happened would have been a new Kabukiza, but the fact that it was rebuilt in that location in Ginza and the excitement has spread to the area around the Kabukiza has proven the significance of the urban regeneration project.

Landscape Design Planning Department, Urban Planning Department, Noriyoshi Matsuo

When we first started planning the rooftop garden, we wanted to create a distinctive garden that would express the image of the Kabukiza. However, being conscious of the Kabukiza's role in international cultural exchange, we came to the conclusion that the garden should be a"place of hospitality"where various people can interact. Therefore, we thought it was important to create a space where the building and garden were integrated, and we proceeded with the plan with the theme of "teiouku ichinyo" (garden and house are one).

Overcoming tougher load conditions than usual through ingenuity

For a normal rooftop garden, the expected load is 1 to 1.5 tons per square meter, but this time, the roof of a large theater space meant that the load conditions were extremely strict, less than 0.6 tons. Therefore, we calculated the expected weight of the plants, soil, stones, and scenery, and thoroughly distributed the load. Heavy objects such as stone lanterns and memorial monuments were placed on top of beams and pillars, and we also devised materials such as using artificial lightweight soil with a low specific gravity. In addition, a full-surface drainage layer was installed at the bottom of the garden to effectively return rainwater and irrigation water to the planting soil, and a system was also adopted to drain the excess water.

Although it was difficult, we received a lot of advice and cooperation from the co-design staff and other people in the company. Furthermore, thanks to the efforts of the contractor, we were able to complete a tranquil Japanese-style garden that blends in with the tasteful Kabukiza building. This garden is open to the public. Since it opened, it has been bustling with visitors every day, but it can also be viewed from the Kabukiza Tower, so we hope that the tower's residents will also enjoy it. We are truly proud to have been in charge of the rooftop garden for this project.