Gazing up at the towering Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, have you ever wondered about the family behind this Tokyo landmark? The Mori family, once among Japan’s wealthiest, has shaped Tokyo’s skyline for decades. Their legacy is etched in steel and glass, starting with their modest beginnings in 1959. Professor Taikichiro Mori and his son, Minoru, founded Mori Building Co. They had a vision, a hunch about the potential of real estate. Their instincts proved correct as their wealth soared, peaking in the late 80s and early 90s. Roppongi Hills, completed in 2003, is a testament to their ambitious vision. This 54-story giant isn’t just a skyscraper. It’s a microcosm of Tokyo life, a blend of offices, shops, restaurants, and even an art museum.
The Mori family’s influence on Tokyo is undeniable. Their buildings, including Ark Hills and Atago Green Hills, stand as modern monuments to their vision. Roppongi Hills itself stands as the sixth-tallest building in Tokyo. The Mori family drew inspiration from Le Corbusier, the controversial architect who envisioned cities dominated by towering structures nestled amidst green spaces. This philosophy resonates in Minoru Mori’s own vision for Tokyo. He dreamed of a city with clusters of 50-story buildings, echoing Le Corbusier’s “towers in a park” concept.
Roppongi Hills is a realization of that vision. It combines soaring architecture with pockets of green space, offering a unique experience. But this vision hasn’t been without controversy. Some argue that Mori’s projects, while impressive, sacrifice the unique “gocha-gocha” charm of Tokyo for a more sterile, planned environment. Roppongi Hills, for instance, covers a vast 11 hectares. Assembling the land took a staggering 14 years. The project was conceived during Japan’s economic bubble. It faced questions about its timing as it opened amid an office glut in 2003.
Yet, Roppongi Hills thrived. It boasts over 200 shops and hundreds of residences. Its attractions, like the Virgin Cinema complex and the Grand Hyatt Hotel, draw crowds. The Mori family’s determination and influence are visible in every detail of Roppongi Hills. The Mori Art Museum, located on the 53rd floor, provides panoramic city views. It offers a space for artistic expression within this bustling commercial center. So, next time you admire the Mori Tower, remember the story of the family who transformed a professor’s hunch into a concrete and glass empire. Their legacy continues to shape Tokyo, one building at a time.