Meiji Seimei Kan, Neoclassical office building in Marunouchi, Japan
Meiji Seimei Kan is a neoclassical office building in Marunouchi distinguished by its symmetrical facade of Corinthian columns rising across five levels. The structure stands eight stories above ground and includes two basement floors, providing an ample footprint for corporate offices.
Architect Shinichiro Okada completed the building in 1934 as a headquarters for the life insurance company during a period of rapid modernization in Tokyo. After World War II, Allied occupation forces requisitioned the structure to house the Far East Air Force command.
The name derives from Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance, which used the building as its headquarters and continues to maintain offices on the upper floors. The ground floor welcomes visitors into a consultation center where polished stone floors and high ceilings reflect the formal character of the structure.
The consultation center on the ground floor opens during regular business hours on weekdays for insurance customers, while the upper floors remain closed to the public. Visitors can view the exterior facade and entrance hall freely, though they should note that this is a working office building.
In 1997, the building became the first structure from the Showa era to receive recognition as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. This designation marked a turning point in heritage preservation, as earlier protections had focused exclusively on older Meiji and Taisho period buildings.
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