Tokyo’s Roppongi district is on the brink of a significant transformation by 2030. Mori Building has embarked on a large-scale redevelopment adjacent to Roppongi Hills, referred to as “Second Roppongi Hills.” This initiative, along with investments from other major real estate developers, aims to redevelop 30% of the area, shifting Roppongi from a nightlife district to a hub of economic and cultural activity, aiming to elevate Tokyo to the level of global cities like New York and London.
Major Project Details
- Timeline: Start in fiscal 2025, completion by fiscal 2030
- Key Structures:
- A 327-meter skyscraper
- A 288-meter residential building
- Total Floor Area: 1.08 million square meters, surpassing Roppongi Hills by over 30%
- Facilities: Offices, hotels, assembly halls, theaters
- Objective: Attract international visitors and businesses
Transforming Roppongi
Today, Roppongi is home to the Japanese headquarters of major companies like Apple and Barclays Securities. Despite this, its history as a business district is relatively short. After World War II, the area was known as the “Tokyo Concession” due to the presence of U.S. occupation forces. It later evolved into a bustling nightlife hub. The opening of Roppongi Hills over 20 years ago marked a dramatic shift, transforming the area into a cultural center with offices, hotels, commercial facilities, and museums, which spurred the opening of galleries and other cultural institutions.
Additional Redevelopments
Redevelopment in Roppongi extends beyond Mori Building’s projects. There are plans to redevelop the Actor’s Theater area near the Roppongi intersection. After nearly 70 years, the theater will close at the end of April 2025 due to building deterioration, and stakeholders have formed an association to advance redevelopment discussions, with potential plans to include cultural facilities.
Additionally, on the west side of Roppongi Hills, in Nishi Azabu, Nomura Real Estate and other developers plan to complete a 54-story, 200-meter-high mixed-use building by 2028. Sumitomo Realty is also planning to build a large office building near the Roppongi intersection by 2025.
Community Impact and Cooperation
The successful redevelopment hinges on the understanding and cooperation of landowners. The Roppongi Hills project involved over 400 landowners, with strong opposition from many. Mori Building employees made extensive efforts to engage these owners, leading to a precedent that has made negotiations for subsequent projects easier. Many landowners have since moved into apartments within Roppongi Hills, earning significant profits.
Looking Ahead
Roppongi’s appeal lies in its diversity, blending history, culture, and various people. The redevelopment projects, led by Mori Building and other real estate developers, aim to enhance this appeal while addressing modern urban needs. How this transformation is managed will be a test of their ability to preserve Roppongi’s unique character and pass its charm on to future generations.
