TOKYO KAIKAN Main Building

This project involves the reconstruction of the TOKYO KAIKAN Main Building, which was established in 1922 as a social gathering place on a site overlooking the Imperial Palace. The new main building—the third of its kind—aims to revitalize the property under the “NEWCLASSICS.” concept, preserving its “memory” while incorporating a fresh sensibility and state-of-the-art functionality.Guests are first greeted by the “Four Seasons Relief”—a series of 20 panels installed on the exterior above the entrance. Paying homage to the rich natural beauty of the Imperial Palace, the relief depicts Japan’s four seasons through motifs of 20 different species of flora and fauna, including cherry blossoms and butterflies.In the lobby, the “vaulted ceiling”—a reconfiguration of geometric patterns extracted from the original Honkan’s decorations—and the “light-welcoming brackets,” which blend classical design with Japanese elements, gracefully welcome guests.From the carpets to the carvings on the doors, every detail is the result of meticulous craftsmanship, the application of cutting-edge technology, and the careful selection of prestigious materials, all thoughtfully integrated into the design. The chapel, which won a gold award at an international competition, embodies the traditional Japanese values and aesthetic sensibilities that find a sacred presence in nature and its ever-changing cycles.