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Location
3-3-3 Fushimi-cho, Chuo-ku, Osaka
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Structure
Reinforced concrete construction, 4 floors above ground and 1 basement
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Total floor area
Approx. 1,626 ㎡
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Completed
July 1, 1927
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Design
Goro Shibuya (Basic planning & structural design)
Otohiko Honma (Architectural design) -
Construction
Takenaka Corporation
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Construction Cost
250,000 yen (at the time)
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Related Website
Shibakawa Building https://shibakawa-bld.net/
History and Current Use
History and Current Use of the Shibakawa Building
The Shibakawa Building is a historic building located in Fushimi-machi, Chuo Ward, Osaka City and was completed in 1927. It is a reinforced concrete building with unique details reminiscent of South American Maya and Inca civilizations. It was designed by Goro Shibuya and Otohiko Honma, and built by the Takenaka Corporation. The construction of the Shibakawa Building began with Shibakawa Matashiro seeking to build a highly fire- and earthquake-resistant structure.
How it was used before and after the war
The Shibakawa Building was originally built as a business office for the Shibakawa family but was later used as the Shiransha Home Economics School building. This school, founded by Shibakawa Matashiro, who was passionate about education, offered women’s education with a lesson style where multiple subjects could be studied at one location, and was considered a precursor to modern women’s universities. From 1929 to 1943, many women received education here. After the school closed in 1943, part of the building was leased to Osaka Prefecture and used as a fire brigade headquarters.
From after the war up to Japan’s period of rapid economic growth
After the Pacific War, the Shibakawa Building, which had avoided being damaged by air raids, was utilized primarily as a tenant building for offices. With increasing the building’s occupancy rate becoming a focus, various renovations were carried out, such as the expansion of rooftop terraces to increase leasable space. These updates prioritized functionality over maintaining the building’s aesthetics.
Dai-Osaka Salon 2005
A turning point for the Shibakawa Building came with the Dai-Osaka Salon 2005 in Shibakawa Building event held in September 2005. At this event, a symposium was held by owners of modern buildings around the Shibakawa Building, where then-president Yoshikazu Shibakawa was inspired by the deep affection and attachment other owners had for their buildings, prompting him to rediscover the value of the Shibakawa Building. This event became the catalyst for efforts to preserve and utilize the building’s charm.
Rebirth and the Present
Restoration and how it is currently used
The Shibakawa Building’s restoration project began with efforts to return the building as closely as possible to its original appearance at the time of its completion after being modified haphazardly after the war. A major part of the project involved removing the fourth floor, which had been added in 1960, and restoring the rooftop terrace. As a result of this restoration project, the fourth floor is now a multipurpose rental space called Shibakawa Building Modern Terrace, which is used for various purposes such as meetings, exhibitions, and weddings.
Attracting retailers and its growth as a tenant building
In order to encourage more people to visit the building and appreciate its charm, we aimed to shift from office-focused tenants to retail tenants, believing that this would increase interest in the historical building as well as promote understanding of its preservation and use. The goal is for a synergistic relationship between the building and its tenants, where each enhances the other’s appeal.
The Shibakawa Building Today
Today, the Shibakawa Building is a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan, and continues to share its history and charm with its numerous visitors. It has also come to be known as representative of modern architecture in Osaka, where various events are held.
The history of the Shibakawa Building goes beyond it being merely a structure as it continues to live on in the memories of many. We are committed to preserving its value and strive to ensure that the Shibakawa Building remains a beloved building for many.
Access
住所｜ 3-3-3 Fushimi-cho, Chuo-ku, Osaka
