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Tuesday, 7th January 2014
In Events In Japan,
New Yomiuri building opens to public
Visitors to Tokyo are invited to the newly opened headquarters of Yomiuri Shimbun Holdings, which has been designated an active zone for cultural and regional exchange activities from floors one to six.
Of particular note, an exhibition on the Tokyo-Hakone Collegiate Ekiden Championships - a form of long-distance running competition - opened yesterday (January 6th) at the venue, and features items related to the sporting pastime.
It also reviews the 90 races held so far, showcasing climactic and memorable scenes from each event through photographs, video and other images.
Attendees will be able to admire a collection of memorabilia including a journal in which Shizo Kanagawa, who is credited with founding the championships, describes the concept of the race.
Admission is entirely free of charge and the exhibition will run through to January 31st excluding Sundays and national holidays, with a photo exhibition on the Sochi Olympics due to replace it on February 4th.
Other features about the new Yomiuri building include a piece of artwork in the first floor lobby created by traditional Japanese painter Taikan Yokoyama. The piece, which is entitled Reiho Fuji and depicts the famous peak, measures 2.55 metres in length and 4.56 metres in width.
Tourists will also be able to view the 19-metre Tower Vision screen that dominates the entrance of the building and displays various photographs as well as breaking news.
Other Tokyo-based activities could include visiting some of its many temples and shrines, of which the metropolis has a plethora.
Examples include the impressive red columns of Sensoji in Asakusa, the beautiful forest-surrounded Meiji Shrine in Shibuya, and Shinagawa Sengakuji Temple where the 47 Ronin of Japanese legend are commemorated.
Those looking for something suitably high-tech to complement their visit to the Yomiuri building, however, are invited to check out the Sony Building in Ginza or the Panasonic building in Odaiba.
Written by Graham McPherson