Kagawa: ‘Boat Gymnasium’ by Tange to Be Demolished
15:34 JST, February 18, 2023
TAKAMATSU — The structure affectionally known as the “boat gymnasium,” designed by world-renowned architect Kenzo Tange (1913-2005), is expected to be demolished.
The former Kagawa Prefecture Gymnasium in Takamatsu and the Yoyogi National Gymnasium in Tokyo both have similar design elements, such as wire-suspended roofs. The latter building is widely known for being one of Tange’s masterpieces.
The Kagawa gymnasium, which resembles a traditional Japanese ship, opened in 1964. It was shut in 2014 due to problems with its structure not being earthquake-resistant as well as its low ceilings, which made it unsuited for use in some sports competitions.
There have been persistent calls to preserve the gymnasium as a historical structure, and discussions about its future have gone on for over eight years.
As there were no ideas regarding new ways to make use of the building, the Kagawa prefectural government announced at the prefectural assembly on Feb. 7 that it would demolish the gymnasium, saying that public funds could not be spent simply to keep it in existence. Consideration is now being given to creating a record of the gymnasium, perhaps in video form.
"Features" POPULAR ARTICLE
-
Famous Weeping Cherry Tree in Full Blossom in Fukushima Pref. Town
-
Traditional Japanese Knife Store in Tokyo’s Ningyocho District Dates to Edo Period
-
Tokyo Station’s Reconstructed Domes Bring Back Prestigious Tradition; Station Building Hotel Loved by Literary Giants
-
Mysterious Charm of Eye-Catching General Store Draws People In; Said to Have Several Thousand Items
-
Kagawa: Video of 3 Dolphins Picking Up Garbage Goes Viral; Staff Trained Them to Exchange Trash for Food
JN ACCESS RANKING
- M6.0 Earthquake Hits Japan’s Tohoku Region; Fukushima, Iwate, Miyagi Prefectures Observe 4 on Japanese Scale With No Risk of Tsunami
- China Mutes Memorialization of Reformer Hu Yaobang; Memories Could Spark Critique of Xi Administration
- Shinkansen Services Suspended After Man ‘Searches for Phone’ on Tracks; Disruption Affects About 14,000 Passengers
- U.S. 7th Fleet officer Arrested on Suspicion of Stealing Sushi, Sashimi, Chicken at Kanagawa Shopping Mall; Suspect Caught Mid-Meal
- UNRWA Director Describes Catastrophic Destruction in Gaza; Says Relief Trucks Robbed, ‘People’s Hearts Destroyed’