Tokyo’s Lego Tower: The Enduring Design of the Yasuyo Building

In the bustling urban landscape of Shinjuku, where modern marvels often steal the spotlight, the Yasuyo Building remains a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. Finding it can feel like a quest, but for those with a keen eye for architectural uniqueness, the search is well worth the effort.

The district isn’t always celebrated for its distinctive buildings. But the Yasuyo Building stands as a testament to a different era of design. It urges you to capture its beauty before Tokyo’s ever-changing cityscape swallows it whole.

A timeless design in a modern city

Designed by Japanese architect Nobumichi Akashi in 1969, the Yasuyo Building, also known as Yasuyo Hall, is a classic in a city that constantly reinvents itself. Despite its age, the building’s design remains strikingly contemporary. Its structure, resembling a stack of octagonal nuts or Lego blocks, creates a visually intriguing spiral effect. This is achieved by rotating each floor 22.5 degrees from the one below, a deliberate choice by Akashi to reflect the ceaseless energy of Tokyo. This unique design ensures a consistent and captivating view from any angle as you pass by.

Capturing the Yasuyo Building at night

The building’s allure is particularly potent at night, a fact that inspired a personal photographic pursuit. The initial attempt to capture its essence, however, was a misstep. A New Year’s holiday visit revealed a darkened ground floor, home to Aozora Bank, rendering the building’s base lifeless. While the illuminated upper floors were a consolation, the incomplete image was a lesson learned.

A second visit, a few days later, proved to be the charm. With the bank’s lights on, the building’s lower level was finally brought to life. Set against a darkening sky, with the motion blur of passing taxis and the hum of city life, the Yasuyo Building truly shone.

Long-exposure photography captures the mesmerizing glow of its golden exterior, a beacon of timeless design amidst the urban sprawl. It’s a marvel that more photographers haven’t turned their lenses to this unique structure. But we must say its understated presence likely contributes to its relative obscurity.

A tale of two towers: Old vs. new

A short walk away is the modern architectural giant, Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower. The juxtaposition of these two structures highlights the Yasuyo Building’s enduring appeal. One represents the sleek future, the other is a stylish nod to the past that has gracefully aged into a timeless classic.

Finding the Yasuyo Building

Address: 3−37−11 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo

Here it is on a Google map:

Conclusion

While the initial photographic attempts yielded satisfying results, the building’s unique character beckons a return visit to capture its essence from a fresh perspective. The Yasuyo Building is more than just a structure; it’s a piece of Tokyo’s architectural history that continues to inspire.

Date of Photos: 2 January 2022