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- Interviews: meet the building supporters -
HOTEL OKURA TOKYO ・ Takashi Hattori

The lobby where the original furniture is arranged

open! architecture successfully hosted "The final visit before reconstruction of Hotel Okura Tokyo main building" in August 2015. We received applicants more than 30 times greater than its capacity. This building was truly loved by many people. Mr. Takashi Hattori, sales planning department manager at the hotel kindly showed us around on the day. "The building itself was absolutely splendid, and it was also touching to see Mr. Hattori's tender affection to the hotel. We felt his pride." Many participants responded in chorus at the visit. open! architecture had a chance to hear his thought.

The facade had
an Oriental look Edo-komon (a dyed cloth)

I decided to take this guiding role, as I wanted to show every detail of the main building before reconstruction, so it will be kept alive in people's memory. The main building was an “exceptional” at any kind. It was flooded with points worth to introduce: detailed works created by famous skilled artisans, original decorations. The garden was also worth to see. In addition, there were full of considerations. The guest room doors facing at corridor were placed by shifting one another so that even though the rooms were located face to face, guests did not meet their eyes. Such considerations and detail conscious minds were stunning. The building was constructed in 60's before I joined Hotel Okura, and yet I could still feel the passion and professionalism of the team of designers at the time. In the past, I released internal emagazines, "Something about Okura", introducing the attractiveness of the hotel and building using photos. This enabled employees to provide explanation to our guests. I also produced leaflets so that the visitors can see architectural details by themselves. Through these activities, more and more colleagues came to feel proud of this building, I believe.

The 2nd floor where can look admiringly
the lightings "Okura Lantern"

Many visitors loved the lobby space in the main building. They appreciated it as "The space you don't find elsewhere." It was the fusion of Japanese aesthetics and allures of the world top class hotels. Slightly warm lanterns and tables with chairs arranged like UME (plum) produced a tranquil atmosphere unique to - WA- (Japanese harmony). Every season, the angle of natural light coming in during the day added various expressions to the space. There was a policy, "Hotel lobby is a community space in the city. We will create a square for local residents." This policy was developed by Iwajiro Noda (1897-1988) the president at the time of the hotel’s founding based on his experience of staying over multiple world best hotels. Thus, we repeatedly held Okura Lobby concerts so anyone would enjoy listening to the music without reservation. We are going to hand down these thoughts and feelings. Now, I have a dream. After the opening of new main building, I would like to resume the lobby concert hearing regular visitors say, "Yes, you made it!"

※New main building will reopen in 2019

Hotel Okura Tokyo Co., Ltd. Planning & Promotion dept. Executive Director
Takashi Hattori
Based on his career in sales and PR that publicized attractiveness of the hotel, he leads history book creation and conducts a countdown planning for the building closure this time.
HP:http://www.hotelokura.co.jp/tokyo/en/

The inside photos

  • Okura Lantern

  • The last architecture tour before
    reconstruction

  • The staircase had artistic tiles