Strong Building, Historic office building in Yamashita, Yokohama, Japan
Strong Building is an office structure in Yokohama with iron-concrete construction that originally featured three floors above ground and a basement level. Three sides of the lower floors preserve the original exterior design while the building has been expanded significantly upward.
Built in 1938 by architect Matakichi Yabe, the structure served foreign trading companies as office space until 2007. A major reconstruction in 2009 transformed it into a mixed-use building housing a hotel, retail stores, and offices.
The structure reflects early 20th century Japanese commercial design with features that speak to the trading era. Lower floors maintain their original appearance while upper sections serve contemporary purposes.
The building is located in the Yamashita area and is easy to explore on foot since the lower original levels are accessible to visitors. The mixed-use nature means different sections may have varying access times, so checking ahead is helpful.
The structure served as a filming location for the television series 'Private Detective Hama Mike' and remains rooted in Japanese pop culture in ways most passersby never notice. This hidden chapter adds depth to what might otherwise seem like just another renovated commercial building.
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