Akasaka Press Center

Did Michael Jackson really land a helicopter at the Akasaka Press Center? Yes, indeed. The Akasaka Press Center, also known as Hardy Barracks, has a fascinating history that goes far beyond celebrity visits. Located in the bustling Roppongi area of Minato, Tokyo, this 3.1-hectare facility is a hub of activity. The Akasaka Press Center is much more than just a press center. It’s actually a U.S. Army installation, right here in the heart of Tokyo. It’s home to the Tokyo offices of Stars and Stripes, the Office of Naval Research, and Hardy Barracks, a lodging facility for military personnel. The Akasaka Press Center even has its own helipad. While officially intended for emergencies, this very helipad served as Michael Jackson’s landing spot in 2007. This site has witnessed a lot of history. Before becoming the Akasaka Press Center, it served as the base for the 3rd Infantry Regiment of the Imperial Japanese Army, a unit involved in the February 26 Incident of 1936. After the war, in 1945, the U.S. military took control of the site. Parts of the facility were returned to Japan in 1962. The area became the home of the University of Tokyo Institute of Industrial Science until 2001. Now, it’s occupied by The National Art Center, Tokyo and the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies. The Akasaka Press Center remains a point of local debate. Since 1967, there have been calls for the facility’s removal, supported by resolutions from both the Tokyo metropolitan assembly and Minato municipal assembly. The Akasaka Press Center stands as a unique blend of history, military function, and urban intrigue in the heart of Tokyo. It’s a reminder of the complex relationship between Japan and the U.S., quietly playing its part in the ongoing narrative of this vibrant city.