National Diet Building, Parliament building in Nagatachō, Tokyo, Japan
The National Diet Building is a neoclassical parliament building in the Nagatachō district of Tokyo, Japan, with a central tower rising about 65 meters high. The symmetrical structure is made of stone and steel-reinforced concrete and includes two side wings that house the two parliamentary chambers, as well as a multi-story central hall with a wide staircase.
Work on this parliament building began in 1920 and was completed after 16 years in 1936, as Japan developed its democratic institutions. The construction period fell during an era of political shifts, when the country was consolidating its modern form of government and creating a permanent home for the legislature.
The building takes its name from the parliament, which in Japanese is called the Kokkai and divides into two chambers. In the central hall stand bronze statues of historical figures that visitors can observe while walking through the interior, where the architecture combines European influences with Japanese administrative traditions.
Tours of the parliament run on weekdays and allow access to the grand hall and chamber rooms, with visitors needing to apply in advance. The visit takes about an hour and includes passing through security checks at the entrance, so guests should allow extra time.
In the central hall stands an empty pedestal among the bronze statues, which has remained without a figure since the building was completed. This vacant spot often catches the attention of visitors who wonder why it was never filled, though several proposals have been discussed over the decades.
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