{"id":7901,"date":"2017-06-01T15:00:42","date_gmt":"2017-06-01T06:00:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ginza.jp\/?p=7901"},"modified":"2017-06-07T11:31:19","modified_gmt":"2017-06-07T02:31:19","slug":"%e6%b0%b8%e9%87%8e-%e5%a4%a7%e8%bc%94x%e9%ab%98%e5%b6%8b-%e3%81%a1%e3%81%95%e5%ad%90","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ginza.jp\/en\/connective\/7901","title":{"rendered":"Daisuke Nagano\u00d7Chisako Takashima"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\u201cGinza\u2019s Garden\u201d to return after demolishing Sony Building <\/h4>\n
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Takashima <\/dt>\n
Sony Building, which has been Ginza\u2019s landmark for as long as I remember, recently closed for renewal. What will happen to the site?<\/dd>\n
Nagano<\/dt>\n
(showing some documents) This is Sony Building today. By July next year, the building will undergo demolition. <\/dd>\n
Takashima<\/dt>\n
When the building is gone, you will have an empty lot.<\/dd>\n
Nagano<\/dt>\n
Yes. We will create a \u201cpark\u201d called Ginza Sony Park on the land where Sony Building stands now. <\/dd>\n
Takashima<\/dt>\n
I see. And will it remain a park for some time? <\/dd>\n
Nagano<\/dt>\n
Yes. From the summer of 2018 until autumn 2020, after the Olympic Games have ended, the corner near the Sukiyabashi Crossroad will be used as a park for two and a half years. We plan to spend the following two years constructing a new building. <\/dd>\n
Takashima<\/dt>\n
Ginza will have a new park! <\/dd>\n
Nagano<\/dt>\n
Yes. We call it the \u201cGinza Sony Park Project.\u201d <\/dd>\n
Takashima <\/dt>\n
Do you have a special reason for leaving it a park for almost two and a half years?<\/dd>\n
Nagano<\/dt>\n
Yes. At Sony, we have a company creed that goes: Sony explores the unknown. Many buildings are being reconstructed in time for the Olympics. Therefore, Sony chose to \u201creconstruct, but through a unique process that has not yet been explored by anyone else.\u201d <\/dd>\n
Takashima<\/dt>\n
I see. Sony has indeed always been unique in its undertakings. <\/dd>\n
Nagano <\/dt>\n
You may think that I am joking, but all our ideas are rooted in our company creed. Also, when we built the building 50 years ago, there was a time when we provided a 33m3 public space that was known by the name Sony Square. Our recent plans are also connected to this piece of history. <\/dd>\n
Takashima<\/dt>\n
So there is a link between the old park and new park? <\/dd>\n
Nagano <\/dt>\n
Yes. Back then, Sony Building sought to be a building open to the community by creating an \u201copen-air communal area\u201d called Sony Square in a prime location in Ginza. Morita, one of our founders, called the space \u201cGinza\u2019s Garden\u201d out of the hope that it would offer a place to rest for pedestrians in Ginza. <\/dd>\n
Takashima<\/dt>\n
I see. So, the park will be a renewed version of Ginza\u2019s Garden! <\/dd>\n
Nagano<\/dt>\n
Exactly! Brainstorming, we arrived at the idea of creating a larger \u201cgarden\u201d, in other words, a \u201cpark\u201d. We also decided to maintain the concept of being an \u201copen facility\u201d. A dynamic project such as this can only be carried out when you are rebuilding. When we made the proposal to our president, Hirai, he gave us permission on the spot, very excited and eager to go forward with the plan.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/div>\n
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Our message is: this is what happens when Sony creates a park in the city.<\/h4>\n
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Takashima<\/dt>\n
It is just like Sony to make a park out of a vacant lot. <\/dd>\n
Nagano<\/dt>\n
People in real estate were concerned about what we would do without the rent that we could otherwise receive from tenants while the space was used as a park. But Sony Building is our communication hub to start with. Therefore, so long as we can communicate what Sony is about, it doesn\u2019t necessary have to take the form of a building. <\/dd>\n
Takashima <\/dt>\n
That is true. The fact that you are not rebuilding immediately is interesting. <\/dd>\n
Nagano<\/dt>\n
Yes. Ever since we announced our project in June last year, we have enjoyed a lot of publicity through coverage by various media. The advertising effect has been tremendous. <\/dd>\n
Takashima <\/dt>\n
That is quite impressive. <\/dd>\n
Nagano<\/dt>\n
Therefore, I think we could say that the Ginza Sony Park Project has been very successful so far. <\/dd>\n
Takashima <\/dt>\n
But the park will not be very large will it? <\/dd>\n
Nagano<\/dt>\n
No, it will be about the size of a basketball court.<\/dd>\n
Takashima<\/dt>\n
I am looking very much forward to that. <\/dd>\n
Nagano<\/dt>\n
We think of the park as our platform. <\/dd>\n
Takashima<\/dt>\n
Do you that mean that the way it is transformed will depend on the person who makes use of it? <\/dd>\n
Nagano <\/dt>\n
Yes. For example, in the very beginning we will need to plant some greenery to give it what everyone expects of a park. But it doesn\u2019t always have to be a place of rest. We hope that it will eventually evolve into a place that inspires people through the various activities that it offers. <\/dd>\n
Takashima<\/dt>\n
That sounds exciting. It may even have a difference face every month? <\/dd>\n
Nagano<\/dt>\n
That could be. Fifty years ago, it was launched as a showroom where people came to look at our products, but today, our products can be found at mass market retailers and on the Internet. That means we have to be special enough for people to go out of their way to visit us. <\/dd>\n
Takashima<\/dt>\n
You mean that there must be a one-and-only something. <\/dd>\n
Nagano <\/dt>\n
Yes. I am sure it will be an inviting park. <\/dd>\n
Takashima<\/dt>\n
I can\u2019t wait to see it. <\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/div>\n
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Image of the Ginza Sony Park Project <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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From Ginza to the world <\/h4>\n
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Takashima<\/dt>\n
Fifty years ago when Sony Building was first built in 1966, what was your corporate situation? <\/dd>\n
Nagano<\/dt>\n
The year 1966 is just before Sony\u2019s original Trinitron color television was released, so it was before Sony belonged to the world. The building was constructed before we became the world\u2019s Sony, but it wouldlater be our hub for releasing from Ginza symbolic products of the times including the WALKMAN and PLAYSTATION. <\/dd>\n
Takashima<\/dt>\n
Sony expanded out to the world from Ginza. <\/dd>\n
Nagano<\/dt>\n
Yes. That is why Ginza is a very significant place for Sony. Furthermore, it is essential that we are located on the Sukiyabashi Crossroad. <\/dd>\n
Takashima<\/dt>\n
That location? <\/dd>\n
Nagano<\/dt>\n
It is unique. It is very difficult to find a place in Tokyo that is open on three sides. Most places only open out to two streets. <\/dd>\n
Takashima<\/dt>\n
That is true. Three sides\u2026<\/dd>\n
Nagano<\/dt>\n
There is one more feature that is often unnoticed. <\/dd>\n
Takashima<\/dt>\n
What may that be? <\/dd>\n
Nagano<\/dt>\n
Sony Building is connected to Nishi-Ginza Parking.<\/dd>\n
Takashima<\/dt>\n
I knew that! I am a great fan of Nishi-Ginza Parking! <\/dd>\n
Nagano<\/dt>\n
If we were to let go of such a perfect location, we would never find anything like it again. <\/dd>\n
Takashima<\/dt>\n
That is something you must hold on to.<\/dd>\n
Nagano<\/dt>\n
Yes, it is.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/div>\n
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Creating a public space is our way of thanking Ginza <\/h4>\n
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Takashima<\/dt>\n
I am sure no one imagined that the building would become a park fifty years later. <\/dd>\n
Nagano<\/dt>\n
Fifty years ago, Sony only sold electronics. Now, we do movies, music, finance and even insurance. <\/dd>\n
Takashima<\/dt>\n
The next fifty years may bring even more change. <\/dd>\n
Nagano<\/dt>\n
Yes. It is quite possible that our business may evolve with the changing times. If we built a showroom, then we would be limiting our possibilities of welcoming new business. That is why flexibility will be an important feature of the new Sony Building.<\/dd>\n
Takashima<\/dt>\n
Of course. Who knows what the future may bring? <\/dd>\n
Nagano<\/dt>\n
Because the future is unpredictable, we will leave a \u201cwide margin.\u201d <\/dd>\n
Takashima<\/dt>\n
A margin? <\/dd>\n
Nagano<\/dt>\n
Yes. Creative people can write in the margin \u2013 they will endeavor to fill it with ideas. If we have enough margin, we will have the capacity to address the unexpected. <\/dd>\n
Takashima<\/dt>\n
I see your point. <\/dd>\n
Nagano<\/dt>\n
Also, with the times changing at a very high pace, we are still exploring what kind of structure or system would be able to accommodate such speed. <\/dd>\n
Takashima<\/dt>\n
\u2026\u2026You know, I have just hit on an idea that would be exciting to do in the new park.<\/dd>\n
Nagano<\/dt>\n
Now, that certainly came out of the blue (laughs). Or, have you been thinking about it all this time? <\/dd>\n
Takashima<\/dt>\n
Yes, I was – in secrecy. <\/dd>\n
Nagano <\/dt>\n
Please let me hear your idea. <\/dd>\n
Takashima<\/dt>\n
A tiger. You could keep a tiger. <\/dd>\n
Nagano<\/dt>\n
A tiger!?<\/dd>\n
Takashima<\/dt>\n
You could keep a white tiger in a large transparent cage. Wouldn\u2019t it be exciting to be able to see a tiger in Ginza? <\/dd>\n
Nagano<\/dt>\n
That certainly is novel\u2026<\/dd>\n
Takashima<\/dt>\n
You would be able to see the tiger from three sides. Wouldn\u2019t that be amusing? If you had a transparent floor, you would even be able see its stomach. <\/dd>\n
Nagano <\/dt>\n
Creating a public space after demolishing Sony Building is our way of saying \u201cthank you\u201d to Ginza. Therefore, if visitors to Ginza really \u201cmust\u201d see a tiger in Ginza, it just may come true (laughs). <\/dd>\n
Takashima<\/dt>\n
That is something to look forward to (laughs). I will keep my fingers crossed.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/div>\n
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Chisako Takashima<\/h4>\n

Violinist. Takashima started taking violin lessons from the age of 6. After a successful career abroad, she moved her home base to Japan, where she currently performs in concerts across the country. Highly noted for her character in TV and radio appearances, she has currently opened up her career to more diverse fields with an unchanged focus on her profession <\/p>\n

Chisako Takashima official website<\/a>\n<\/div>\n

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Daisuke Nagano <\/h4>\n

Nagano joined Sony Corporation in 1992. He assumed the position of spearheading the Ginza Sony Park Project in 2016, after working in marketing, business strategy and the CEO office. For further promotion of the Project, he became President and CEO, Chief Branding Officer of Sony Enterprise Co., Ltd. in April 2017. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Written by Kyosuke Akasaka; Place of interview: Ginza Sony Park Project Office, Sony Corporation <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Mezamashi Classics with friends\uff5eBest vocalist\uff5e<\/h4>\n

Celebrating the 20th anniversary of Mezamashi Classics with new recordings by Mezamashi Classics ensemble and the best vocalists in Japan. <\/p>\n

Click here for details, including information on individual numbers.<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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