The Ginza Sony Park, a newly completed renovation project on the former site of the iconic Sony Building in Tokyo, was unveiled to the press on Friday. The complex aims to be a modern space that carries on the vision of its predecessor.
Scheduled to open to the public in January, the new building stands five stories high with four basement levels and covers a total floor area of approximately 4,390 square meters. It is designed as a “park in Ginza,” featuring various open spaces and an atrium to create a sense of openness.
Incorporated into the basement floors are some original walls from the Sony Building, which opened in 1966 based on Sony Corp co-founder Akio Morita’s belief that “a meaningful building should be constructed as the gateway to Ginza.” These preserved elements pay homage to its historical significance.
The original building served as a showroom for Sony products for around 50 years. It showcased groundbreaking innovations such as the Walkman portable music player first released in 1979. However, it was torn down in 2017 for redevelopment. The final phase of this extensive renovation project was completed on August 15th.
Daisuke Nagano, president of Sony Enterprise Co., expressed their intention to create a place where visitors can spend time as they wish. This vision reflects their commitment to providing an inviting and versatile environment for all who visit.
The Ginza Sony Park represents not only an architectural transformation but also symbolizes continuity with its predecessor’s legacy. With its grand opening approaching next year, it is poised to become another landmark destination within Tokyo’s vibrant cityscape.