International. Sony unveiled the "Sony Park Ginza Project," a 7-year plan to completely redesign the Sony Building, the building that houses the company's Exhibition Hall in Tokyo's Ginza district. 2016 is an important year for Sony, as it marks the 70th anniversary of the company's creation and the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Sony Building; the redesign of this building in Ginza is therefore a symbol of the beginning of a new era. Also, through this project, Sony seeks to convey its unique ability to inspire and satisfy the curiosity of people around the world, offering them emotionally engaging experiences, driven by the Japanese concept of "Kando".
By launching this project, the current Sony Building will close its doors on March 31, 2017[1]. The space will be transformed into an open common area called "Ginza Sony Park", which can be accessed from 2018 to 2020. During this period, the number of tourists visiting Japan is expected to increase, bringing more people and excitement to the streets of Tokyo. By making Ginza Sony Park open to the public, Sony hopes to transform it into an event venue where visitors can enjoy "Kando" experiences, offered by both Sony and other companies.
Finally, the new and refurbished Sony Building will be built on the same site, and will open its doors to the public in autumn 2022. Sony will determine the final concept of the new building along with local residents and merchants as well as visitors to Ginza Sony Park.
The original Sony Building first opened on April 29, 1966. Their concept was, in the words of Sony co-founder Akio Morita, "to create not only an Exhibition Hall for Sony but a significant piece of architecture in itself, which can function as a gateway to the entire Ginza district." For the past 50 years, the Sony Building has been frequented and visited by people from all over the world. The Sony Park Ginza Project is the embodiment of the innovative spirit and challenges that the company has cultivated over the years. The project will transform the space into an area that will make it possible to live totally new Kando experiences, evolving and growing together with the community that surrounds it.
"For 50 years, the Sony Building has been an institution of the Ginza district, welcoming visitors with new and innovative experiences, while preserving history and tradition. I am very grateful for the contribution expected from the Sony Park Ginza Project, to further boost the Ginza district and all of Tokyo, as the city prepares to welcome a new influx of people and energy. I have high hopes that Ginza Sony Park and the new Sony Building will be transformed into new must-see sites within Ginza, offering visitors a space and opportunities to interact with others in meaningful ways," said Keisuke Okamoto, President of all Ginza Association's GINZA Machidukuri Council.
Kazuo Hirai, President and CEO of Sony Corporation said: "The Sony Park Ginza Project is an extremely important initiative and a symbol of Sony's continued evolution and growth. At Sony, our innovative and challenging spirit is founded on the principles of creating never-before-seen things and experiences that have never existed. The new Sony Building will continue this legacy. The Sony Park Ginza Project is a truly "Sony" initiative, through which we will strive to provide 'Kando' experiences and emotions for all."
