Coconut Mall

INFO

Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Kenzo Tange and completed in 1996, the Fuji TV Headquarters in Odaiba, Tokyo, remains a defining piece of late 20th-century Japanese architecture. The building features a striking grid-like structure and a unique, 1,200-ton suspended titanium sphere. Far from just an aesthetic choice, this geometric design systematically separates operational zones across two towers connected by elevated sky corridors. Each tower houses studios, offices and tech centers.. Rather than a single monolithic block, these engineered gaps optimize wind flow from Tokyo Bay, while a rigid steel-framed structure allows for maximum absorption of seismic shocks.

The 60-meter long sky corridors (mega-trusses) form a robust lattice grid that links the structures and reinforces the building against high winds and earthquakes. The Headquarters most iconic feature is the 32-meter titanium-clad “Hachitama” observational sphere sitting on the 24th floor of the 25-story building. It offers panoramic 270-degree views of the surrounding bay, Rainbow Bridge, and Mount Fuji in clear conditions. Weighing a massive 1,200 tons,nearly three times the mass of a fully loaded Boeing 747 the sphere was originally assembled on the ground and lifted over 100 meters using synchronized computer-controlled hydraulic jacks. This lifting process took over 9 hours. Standing at 123m (approx) tall the Headquarters maintains a monumental standout presence in the Tokyo Bay skyline.

Coconut mall was a last minute idea. Originally I had set aside a full day in Odaiba with my original plan to shoot the HQ in the morning and then Tokyo Big sight in the afternoon. Unfortunately, I was kicked out from Big Sight during my visit for using a tripod so I was left scrambling for a new sunset location.

Thankfully I did come up with a backup plan. The view of the HQ from Daiba Park as seen in this image was something that had appeared in my research as a great sunset spot. Originally, given my plans in Big Sight this would have been out of the question, but, with plans in the air this became my new spot.

And wow was I rewarded.

The weather had been very overcast that day but the sun peaked out just in time for sunset, this compositon from Daiba Park also aligned perfectly with a nearby airport with planes regularly flying through the composition. After alot of shooting, capturing different moments this was the final image, an energetic, ridiculous looking view of Fuji TV Headquarters. (the plane is real)

Coconut Mall

View of Fuji Tv Headquarters from Daiba Island, Odaiba, Tokyo Bay