Chuo-ku Tourism Association correspondent blog

Today, I came to the rooftop of Ginza Six.

　

After walking through the crowds of Ginza Street, when you come here, you will feel a little calm. It's also a good idea to take a leisurely tour of the rooftop and look for Tokyo Tower and Sky Tree. But there are other things I would like to see. It's the streets of Ginza. Among them, the best one is the 4-chome intersection.

Wako's clock tower is really good. However, I have the impression that the city of Ginza is more crunchy than I expected.　

　

Before Ginza Six was built, the Matsuzakaya Ginza store was located in this place. The pre-war landscape from Matsuzakaya was like this (around 1933).

Ginza is more refreshing than it is now, about 10 years after the Great Kanto Earthquake. Wako, which stands at the 4-chome intersection, was called Hattori Clock Store at this time. To the right is Ginza Mitsukoshi, and beyond the Hattori Clock Store, Kyobunkan is visible.

　

Looking at the history, these three were built in the following years.

　　　　Ginza Mitsukoshi, 1930 (1930)　

　　　　1932 Hattori Clock Store

　　　　1933, Kyobunkan

If we can go back little by little to the past, the building will disappear in a new order. This time, I would like to change my taste a little, go back in time in the past, and guide you to the time trip on Ginza Street.

　

First of all, I went back a little, but there is a building that has disappeared. Do you understand?

According to history, the Kyobunkan has disappeared. Since the Hattori Clock Store is built, it is the scenery around 1932, the year before the Kyobunkan was built.

　

The architect of the Kyobunkan is Antonin Raymond. In the city of Ginza, there were several buildings he designed, but Matsuzakaya, who is now there, also had an age of his design.

On the other hand, Hattori Clock Store. This clock tower was the second generation, and the first clock tower was built in Meiji 27 (1894). After the first generation was demolished for renovation, the Great Kanto Earthquake struck, and nine years after the earthquake, the second generation was built.

　

Let's take a look back. It is a 4-chome intersection around Showa 4 (1929).

The building of the Hattori Clock Store is gone. There is a crane across the street, so Mitsukoshi is under construction. Beyond it is Yamaguchi Bank, and the big building you can see beyond is Matsuya Ginza, a department store. You can see that Matsuya was already open at this time.

　

Let's go back further.

Then a low-rise ballaque-style building appeared at the Hattori Clock Store. It is the scenery of the first year of Showa. This low-rise building was built after the earthquake, and it is said that Mitsukoshi was occupying and operating temporarily. After that, Mitsukoshi started building a building on the opposite side, and immediately after the Imperial Capital Reconstruction Festival in 1930, opened Ginza Mitsukoshi as a large-scale department store.

　

Let's go back to the year of the earthquake. Then the building in Matsuya turns into a steel frame.

At the bottom of the photo, it seems that the shadow of the steel frame of the Matsuzakaya building appears to be reflected, so it seems that the buildings of Matsuya and Matsuzakaya were both steel frames. Historically, the opening of each business has been completed.

　　　　December 1, 1924, Matsuzakaya

　　　　May 1, 1925 Matsuya, 1925

That's why it's a landscape around 1924. Speaking of 1924, the year after the Great Kanto Earthquake, you can see the reconstruction of buildings here and there in this landscape.

　

　

As you can see, the roof of today's Ginza Six was a place where we have been watching the reconstruction of the city of Ginza since the Great Kanto Earthquake.

　

Matsuzakaya is a large-scale department store that opened for the first time in Ginza. At that time, Ginza 6-chome was called Owaricho, and the building was built by Kunimitsu Life Insurance. Kunimitsu Life opened on the upper floor, and Matsuzakaya entered on the lower floor and set up a store.

I can't believe it now, but it's a hot topic as the first department store where you can enter the entire building foot. There is also a bustling rooftop zoo and a yellow shuttle bus from nearby stations, and with the opening of Matsuzakaya, Ginza will change from a luxury-oriented city to a city that can be enjoyed by the general public.

　

On the other hand, how was Matsuya Ginza? I can't see it a little far away, so I'll move in the air and approach it.

The flapping flag is the Matsuya mark designed from pine and crane, and the below is Ginza Street. This is the rooftop of Matsuya after completion. I look at the direction from Ginza 3-chome to 1-chome.

　

Matsuya opened in 1925, about six months after the opening of Matsuzakaya. Matsuya itself was founded in Yokohama in 1869 as Tsuruya, so this year marks the 150th anniversary of its founding. The 8-story building will be constructed by a life insurance company. However, on the way, Matsuya decided to move into the lower floor, and the design change made a large atrium. Even if you are hit by the earthquake in a steel frame, it will open 20 months later.

In particular, the interior seemed to be very luxurious, attracting many visitors to the store and exposing the topic. After this, together with Matsuzakaya, I will become a leading player in the reconstruction of Ginza.

　

If you move your eyes to Ginza Street, you will see a large building diagonally opposite. This is the main building of the Okura Gumi, which was completed as a five-story building in 1915. At the time of construction, it was the tallest building in Tokyo.

As you can see from the year it was built, this building survived the Great Kanto Earthquake. Speaking of the main building of the Okura Gumi, it is also known when the first building with arc lights was lit, but it was about 40 years ago of this landscape. The photo shows the scenery of the second generation building, the first year of Showa. The current OkuraHouse, where Cartier enters, is the fourth generation.

　

What I'm worried about is the buildings that can be seen at the "end of the corner" across Ginza Street. The cityscape with a good atmosphere that makes you feel a Taisho romance is spreading. It must be a wonderful city.

　

Let's move in the air to the rooftop of the Okura Gumi Main Building and approach a little closer.

The tall building with the "tongari roof" on the left and the "circular dome" on the right are impressive. It was the first year of Showa.

　

I'm going to enter the Taisho era in this place. It is the street at the end of the corner around Taisho 14 (1925).

What? Something has changed.

The tongari roof has been turned into a circular dome. It seems that it was not a tongari roof in the Taisho era.　The town at the end of this corner was the current Kyobashi, and at that time it was the name of Minami Temmacho. The Kyobashi River flows at the corner, and "Kyobashi" should be built on it. At this time, only a few years after the earthquake, what kind of development did the city lined with large buildings?

　

I'll do it this time. Time slip and aerial walk on Ginza Street. How was it? From next time, I would like to introduce the cityscape of this "turning corner" in chronological order. It was a prologue of "Kyobashi Monogatari".

(References are scheduled to be compiled in the epilogue.)　

　

 

 

At the Megumi Ogita Gallery, a gallery located on the first basement floor of the Ginza Otsuka Building, Ginza 2-chome, there is a two-person exhibition "normal activity" by Brian Leo, who works as writers based in New York, and Alfredo Martinez.

The period is from Friday, January 25 to February 9 (Sat).

The time is from eleven o'clock to nine o'clock.

Days, months and holidays are closed.

Brian Leo's work is a pop depiction of what you see everyday in New York.

Depending on the artist's intention, it is spectacular that bright pink back works are displayed side by side in a row.

Leo, who was strongly influenced by pop culture, looks at society from the inside and continues to challenge the expansion of "areas that painting can convey".

Another writer, Alfred Martinez, appears to be quite scanned, according to the gallery's website.

The canvas of the gun series on display this time seems to have been made of books and newspapers because the use of ink and paper was restricted while he was in charge of plagiarism ().

There, I draw a gun with a pen or coffee shell.

The gun depicted is colorful, powerful, solid, and has a presence.

Thank you for your understanding of the photography in the gallery, and this time again, he explained the purpose of this two-person exhibition.

Thank you very much

Click here for the website of Megumi Ogita Gallery.　⇒

http://www.megumiogita.com/

 

 

For the second time today, let's introduce the rehearsal scenery of the junior high school section "Kibikicho Wakabaza".

(Click here for the previous article ⇒ /archive/2019/01/part.html)

　

Students who have completed the “ume”, “bamboo” and “pine” courses of “Terakoya” by the sixth grade of elementary school, and are proceeding to the junior high school section are completely different from the elementary school class because they grow fast at this time. The performance is "Fujimusume" male "Kotobuki Soga face-to-face".

　

"Fujimusume" is said to dance one song with four people. I just saw Umeeda and Kotaro's "Two Fuji Musume" last December, but you can make various versions. The guidance of the teachers, "Don't be distracted," "I'm going to be a Fujimusume until the end," and "The fan is fluffy."

　

"Kotobuki Soga face-to-face" is only 7 boys. The cast will be replaced with two types, one that is often performed in Tokyo and one that is often performed in Kansai.

　

When the instructor enters the rehearsal hall, the air in the room tightens in an instant. I didn't care about it, too. As Suketsune Kudo's role, "Today's Yukei is going to work together with Ichitta," the two instructors are very busy when the voice of going well begins. Detailed attention, such as "Be careful about the tempo of the line" and "Think who you are talking to" fly. How to hold smoke tubes, manners where you can see swords, etc. It's a serious and passionate instruction. As you know, it is a play of "Kabuki's role large collection", which includes Goro of Arashi, Juro of Japanese affairs, Asahina of clowns, as well as the role of Oiso's tiger and female form, but "Is it a strange period?" It is useless to worry about extra things, it is a whole and uncomfortable work.

　

The instructors and staff of the guidance seem to be in charge from the time of enrollment, and realize the solid growth of the students who know from an early age, such as "That child who could not sit straight ..." It looks like you are. It is a performance by students who have learned the fun of Kabuki by themselves, so it is guaranteed that the audience will be able to experience "Kabuki, Fun!" Please go out with your family. The lessons with enthusiasm continue. I'm really looking forward to the stage of the day.

　

"Kibikicho Wakabaza" performance is held

Sunday, March 24 12:30 starts / 15:00pm.

Location: Kabukiza Gallery, Kibikicho Hall Kabukiza Tower 5th floor

Fees: 1500 yen All unreserved seats

Application: Ticket WEB Shochiku from noon on January 31, 2019 (Note; not sold at Ticket Hon Shochiku)

For details, please see https://www.shochiku.co.jp/terakoya/news/stage/index.html.

　

 

 

　Izumo camellia is planted in front of the Shiseido Building and on Hanatsubaki Street facing Sotobori-dori St.

　This is Izumo Tsubaki, which became Shiseido's brand mark.

It's a modest, but it has a good red color. Please enjoy it when shopping or taking a walk in Ginza.

 

 

The other day, fortunately, I was able to visit Ginza Inari Shrine, which is usually closed to the public. I hope everyone will see the state of the shrine.

　

Ginza Inari Shrine has been worshiping as a Inari in Ginza since the Edo period, as it can be found in the Chuo-ku Monoshiri Encyclopedia, and thriving business. Currently, due to the progress of land development, it is enshrined on the roof of the Ginza Echigoya Building in Ginza 2-chome. You cannot visit the rooftop at stamp rally around Ginza Hatcho Shrine in AUTUMN GINZA, which is held from late October to early November.

　

　Only Inari was quietly seated on the rooftop.

　　

　You can see the passage of time in the stone structure.

　

The fox on the left is a fox, and the fox on the right is a jewel.

　

The street where Inari-san was in the Edo period was called "Kanze Shindo", and there was a Noh Kanze-style mansion. Looking at the map of the late Edo period, it is specially written in inari and red. In everyday life, he would have joined hands on the street. It was a valuable experience to imagine the feelings of the people of Edo on a small lovely fox.

　

　

　

　

 

 

"I'm watching from this actor's performance show performance," do you want to be proud of 10 or 20 years later?

　

The first performance of the students of the Children's Kabuki School Terakoya, who continue to practice at the Kabukiza Theater, will be held on March 10 (Matsu course students) and 24 (Junior high school section). This time, I was interviewed about the lesson. We will introduce the passionate rehearsal scenery in two parts for the first performance.

　

There are many kyogen dances that play an important role in Kabuki, such as Chimatsu and Chiyo Tsuru of the predecessor Hagi, Taroyoshi of the real story, Miyoshi of Shigeno Iko Farewell, and Terakoya, which is also the name of this school. Do you know what kind of children are appearing in this child role? When asked to the person in charge, he said, "Not only the relatives and room children of actors, but also students of children's Kabuki School Terakoya, those who belong to children's theater companies, and others who introduce them."

　

"Kids Kabuki School Terakoya" opened in 2014 and teaches the basics from the basics, focusing on the skills necessary for Kabuki children, such as Japanese manners, Kabuki's unique vocalization, gestures, and acting. Recruitment is "Plum Course" for about 10 people each for "Kakigumi" from 4 to 6 years old and "Moegigumi" from 1st to 4th graders. It's a narrow gate. Applicants can go ahead with the "Bamboo Course" and "Pine Course" and learn in earnest in the junior high school section.

　

For the first time, I will introduce you to the Momotaro "Hyakumokagari" on March 10th, and the children of the pine course from the second grade to the fifth grade of elementary school. This is an original dance play that was newly created for this performance after Momotaro defeated the demon. The script is a luxurious version of Kazuhisa Tobe, director / choreography / Kanjuro Fujima, composition / Mitaro Kineya, Sakucho / Denzaemon Tanaka, etc., and a luxurious performance.

When you visit the training hall, you will greet the children and me on the tour in front of the fan in front of you! I'm sorry. The lesson has begun. "In addition, I am the Momotaro's loyal lord, the dog's loyal lord, Shiro-daira, the dog's loyal," and Shiro-daira's proud arm of a dog with a white arms ..." Practice the vocalization of "the guy" many times according to the instructor's guidance. The long lines were not stagnant, the surroundings and sights were decided, and they entered the hall. It's so good as "It's OK tomorrow!" I was convinced that among the students of the "Pine Course", the children who were selected after the audition. It seems that many of the performers are already on the stage of this performance. I'm looking forward to it.

　

Children's Kabuki School Terakoya's first performance show performance "Kabuki, fun!"

Location: Kabukiza Gallery Kibikicho Hall (5th floor of Kabukiza Tower)

Admission fee: 1,500 yen All unreserved seats

“Forfeiting Momotaro Hundred Momokakari” starts at 12:30/15:00 on March 10, 2019.

Applications will start accepting "Ticket WEB Shochiku" from 12:00 on January 31 (There is no sale at Ticket Hon Shochiku.)

For details, please see https://www.shochiku.co.jp/terakoya/news/stage/index.html.