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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.
Mute City was the first image of the Headquarters on my full day in Odaiba. Initially I had planned to photograph the building from across the street at sunrise but unfortunately was met with little success. Following that, I visited the nearby promenade which connects most of Odaiba by foot. The promenade offered a much better view of the building and at this time of day especially, some lovely shadows on the Sky Corridors. Composing for the view of the headquarters I made sure to include the flowers that lined the pedestrian overpass, rainbow bridge in the background and got settled in to wait for some people. This was the final shot, a lovely, calm scene in Odaiba.
MUTE CITY
Pedestrians walk across Odaiba promenade with Fuji TV HQ in Background, Odaiba, Tokyo Bay
