(Adnkronos) – Tokyo’s historic Hyakudan Kaidan building reopened to the public on October 1st, after a year-long closure, with a special event allowing visitors to “directly” enjoy the charm of its 1930s architecture and ornaments. Jiji Press reports that in the event, which will run until March 30, 2027, few artifacts are displayed within the cultural property designated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, unlike past events with exhibitions and showcases that partially blocked the view of ceiling paintings, pillars, and architectural details. “Our goal is to have visitors experience the architecture firsthand and directly perceive its charm,” said the Hyakudan Kaidan public relations office. Through the seven traditional Japanese-style rooms connected by a 99-step wooden staircase, visitors can find about 100 motifs associated with good luck in paintings and architectural decorations on ceilings, walls, and alcove pillars.
Among these are numerous motifs of Japanese folding fans “sensu” which represent the Japanese concept of “suehirogari,” literally meaning “spreading out towards the end” like an open fan, and symbolizing growing prosperity, good fortune, and future success. In the Jippo room, the first room of the building, what is believed to be Japan’s oldest surviving revolving table is on display. The table, restored from a piece dating back to the pre-World War II period, is decorated with mother-of-pearl inlays, a traditional decorative technique where the shimmering, silvery-white parts of shells are cut and inlaid into the surface of lacquers and other objects. The architectural features and the revolving table offer a glimpse into the history of Hyakudan Kaidan, which once served as a “ryotei” (traditional Japanese restaurant) at the former Meguro Gajoen, a famous location for lavish banquets and wedding receptions, after its completion in 1935.
Although most of the buildings of the original 1935 complex were demolished in 1988 due to redevelopment projects, Hyakudan Kaidan has largely been preserved in its original state to this day. “As the urban landscape continues to transform, the survival of Hyakudan Kaidan, almost unchanged since the early Showa period, holds profound significance, allowing the history and memories of the area to remain present within the modern landscape,” the office stated.
