Resurrecting History: The Story of Mitsubishi Ichigokan
Mitsubishi Ichigokan, originally constructed in 1894 in Tokyo's Marunouchi district, stood as a testament to Japan's architectural evolution. This Western-style office building, designed by Josiah Conder and Tatsuzo Sone, housed a bank, a trading company, and a post office. Despite its demolition in 1968 due to deterioration, Mitsubishi Real Estate reconstructed it in 2009 as an art museum, preserving its historical essence.
Upon its completion, the building was simply known as No. 1 Building, later referred to as Mitsubishi No. 1 Building. In 1918, it was renamed East No. 9 Building but continued to be known by its original moniker. The current structure, rebuilt in 2009, proudly retains the Mitsubishi No. 1 Building title.
Constructed by Mitsubishi Limited Partnership, the building spanned 5,044 m2, boasting three floors above ground and one below. Notably, it featured English masonry emphasizing earthquake resistance, incorporating steel-reinforced brick walls and a foundation combining pile foundations with a concrete slab. The building's floor plan was unique, offering tenants exclusive access to their own entrance, stairs, and toilets—a design choice reflecting tenants' preference for privacy and ownership.
Originally, the building housed the Mitsubishi Goshi Kaisha Head Office, the 119th National Bank, and Takada Shokai. It also offered rental office space, with the Marunouchi Post and Telegraph Office occupying a room rent-free from 1902. Despite its historical and cultural significance, Mitsubishi No. 1 Building was demolished in 1968. Mitsubishi Estate justified this decision due to the building's structural deterioration and the growing demand for modern office space. The demolition sparked significant debate and led to a push for the preservation of Meiji-era architecture.
Reconstructed as an art museum by Mitsubishi Estate, the new Mitsubishi Ichigokan was meticulously designed to mirror its predecessor. Utilizing 22 surviving original blueprints and historical documents, the restoration focused on authenticity while incorporating modern amenities like elevators, air conditioning, and seismic isolation structures. The reconstruction involved producing 2.3 million red bricks in China, maintaining the building's original aesthetic. Despite some modern adaptations, the building retains its historical charm, featuring recreated common areas and displaying materials from the original structure.
The Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum of Art, which opened in 2010, symbolizes Mitsubishi's commitment to preserving Tokyo's architectural heritage. The museum stands as a cultural beacon, celebrating the city's past while accommodating contemporary needs. Mitsubishi Ichigokan's journey from a Western-style office building to a modern art museum encapsulates a century of architectural and urban development in Tokyo. It bridges the past and present, honoring the city's rich history while embracing its dynamic future.