The Future of Nakagin Capsule Tower: 23 Capsules Taken Out and Restored

A landmark of Ginza, the Nakagin Capsule Tower Building, was demolished in April 2022. Designed by the architect Kisho Kurokawa and completed in 1972, the building was a rare example of the Metabolism architecture movement.

The original design envisioned replacing and renewing the capsules every 25 years, but this was never implemented due to the complexity of replacing only part of the structure. Nevertheless, the concept and shape of the building, which reflects the spirit of the era of rapid population growth and high economic growth in post-war Japan, has become a popular tourist destination.

The Nakagin Capsule Tower Preservation and Restoration Project was established in 2014 to preserve the building. After the demolition, 23 capsules were removed and restored under the supervision of Kisho Kurokawa Architects and Associates, and since March, they have been transported to the new locations.

One of the capsule’s new locations will be “SHUTL,” which Shochiku plans to build on a site next to the Togeki Building in Higashi Ginza. With the aim of promoting the fusion of traditional and modern cultures, SHUTL will house two capsules in the new building, each of which will be used for exhibiting and selling art and crafts, as well as event space.

On the other hand, Yodogawa Steel Works, Ltd. recycled the capsule into a mobile trailer. It will serve as a symbol of the company’s “YODOKO+” design brand and will be exhibited at various exterior exhibitions from April to June.