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*At the contributor’s request, no editing has been performed.
Additionally, to maintain the contributor’s anonymity, this is being distributed under the editorial department’s name.
Ginza, the area with the highest land prices in Japan.
This district boasts a refined appearance with its array of luxury brands and gourmet spots, but did you know that beneath its surface lies a history that once rested at the bottom of the sea?
Beneath Ginza, many bridges and ruins slumber, buried by the waves of time and quietly forgotten.
Their existence is hidden in the shadow of modern urban development, silently buried by property owners.
The other day, when I shared this historical story as a Ginza building owner, I received an unexpectedly strong response.
Monologue of a Ginza Building Owner 1/3 (Click)
Monologue of a Ginza Building Owner 2/3(Click)
Monologue of a Ginza Building Owner 3/3 (Click)
Some people protested against my concealment of ruins to construct buildings, and I feel a heavy sense of guilt weighing on my heart.
However, it’s also true that such choices were common practice during the bubble economy era.
In reality, there are more ruins buried in Ginza than I even know about.
The fact that many construction companies use the phrase “taking it to the grave” shows just how difficult it is to deal with these ruins.
It’s no longer possible to recover everything.
Even the Ginza I loved has changed drastically from the cultural district it once was.
The people who drink in Ginza now or frequent high-class hostess clubs don’t seem to be seeking the “cultivation” of the past; to me, it appears they just want to bask in the name “Ginza”.
What I can do now is share these untold stories.
With stricter regulations for future renovations and redevelopments, cultural assets will likely never be concealed again.
My building will also need to be demolished in 10 to 20 years, and at that time, my son’s generation will have to apply to the Agency for Cultural Affairs.
Please give us a little time.
Look forward to the day when these ancient artifacts will resurface.
Memories of the Sea and Its Transformation
