On July 10th and 11th, 2026, the Akasaka Address Building in Tokyo will host a unique event known as the 'Akasaka Address Building Demolition Festival - AKASAKA ART ACTION'. This festival will explore the intersection of architecture, art, and future urban development through a series of discussions and workshops held in the building before its demolition.
Organized by Toshitechno Co., in collaboration with Nittetsu Kowa Real Estate, the festival is designed to engage architects, artists, community members, and anyone interested in the evolution of urban landscapes. The event's highlight will be the 'Sono Aida #Akasaka' project, showcasing an installation space that invites participants to reflect on the building's history and consider what comes next for the community. This will not only be a farewell to a structure but a heralding of new possibilities for urban space.
Schedule of Events
On the first day, the talk event will kick off at 6:30 PM with the first part titled 'New Co-Creation Born from the Demolition Festival'. Diverse stakeholders—including artists, local community members, corporations, and students—will discuss how opening up a building for public engagement can foster new relationships and possibilities. Key speakers include Fumihiko Nishimura from Suminasu Co., architect Kengo Hayashi, and Reiichiro Tsurumoto from Toshitechno. They will dive into how our environmental memories can be conveyed to future generations through new living and public spaces.
The second part, starting at 7:00 PM, will tackle 'The Future of the City through Architecture, Art, and Demolition'. Discussions will center on the remnants and impressions left behind in an aging space, led by artist Akira Fujimoto, architect Yuko Nagayama, and Yoshimitsu Yamahara from Toshitechno. Participants will contemplate the potential of art and architecture to capture the essence of time and memory, establishing valuable connections for upcoming urban landscapes.
The festival will wrap up with a networking session, where attendees will have a chance to freely mingle and exchange ideas with speakers, ensuring collaborations flourish in the spirit of community building through art.
About the Venue
The event will take place at 'Sono Aida #Akasaka', a unique exhibition operating in the nearly vacated Akasaka Address Building. From June 23 to July 11, local artists will utilize the space to create new works, reflecting the story the building has told through its lifespan. Participants can expect a vibrant atmosphere filled with ongoing public art projects and dialogues throughout the exhibition period.
This festival invites anyone with an interest in architecture, art, community planning, or simply the future of urban living to join in. Together we can reflect on the legacy of a building ready to be transformed while looking forward to the future of our cities. Please ensure to sign up for the event by visiting the registration link: https://addressbldgkaitaisaitalksession.peatix.com/.
More Information
For more details on the schedule of events and how to participate, visit the official websites of Toshitechno Co. and the Demolition Festival.