Is it just a concert hall? The Suginami Koukaidou is more than meets the eye. This venue has been a cultural touchstone in Suginami since its opening.
Let’s delve into the story of the Suginami Koukaidou. Officially named Suginami Koukaidou, it opened in January 2006. It officially opened its doors on June 1, 2006. The hall can accommodate 1,300 people. The large hall has 1,190 seats. The small hall offers 194 seats.
This space spans 9,846 square meters. It features a salon for gatherings. There are five studios. A cafe is on site.
The Suginami Koukaidou hosts concerts and lectures. It is used for events. 株式会社佐藤総合計画 designed it. 株式会社京王設備サービス manages it.
You will find it at 1-23-15 Kamiogi, Suginami-ku, Tokyo. The nearest station is Ogikubo Station. It is a seven-minute walk away. Alternatively, the Kamiogi 1-chome bus stop is three minutes away.
The Suginami Koukaidou replaced an older hall built in 1957. The original hall was demolished in 2003. The new hall reopened on June 1, 2006.
The Suginami Koukaidou was Japan’s first BOT-method PFI project. Daikin Group oversaw it.永田音響設計 designed the hall’s acoustics. 京王設備サービス will manage it until 2036.
The design theme is “Harmony of Light and Wind.” The semi-transparent glass exterior creates a soft impression. In 2010, it won the Public Building Award.
The Japan Philharmonic Orchestra calls Suginami Koukaidou its home. It hosts the Suginami Ward’s Coming-of-Age ceremony. Local schools use it for graduations.
On February 3, 2020, a TV commercial shoot took place here. It commemorated the 55th anniversary of Nippon Kodo’s “Seiun” incense. 林家たい平 sang exuberantly with the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra. 和樹山田 conducted. The commercial aired on Nippon TV.
The old Suginami Koukaidou held 1,176 seats. It was known as the “Finest Hall in the Orient”. Composers like 秀雄近衛 and 敏郎黛 loved it.
“8 O’Clock, Gather ‘Round All Members” was broadcast live here. This was a TBS program. Ultraman made his debut here. This event was called “Ultraman’s Eve Festival”.
The main hall has 1,190 seats. It is designed for classical concerts. 小林研一郎 praised its acoustics. Performers can adjust the acoustics.
The small hall has 194 seats. The stage and seating can be arranged. The Grand Salon accommodates 160 people. It’s suitable for orchestra rehearsals. There are five studios. Two have Yamaha concert pianos. Others have band equipment.
The hall boasts world-class pianos. These include Steinway, Bösendorfer and Bechstein. Yamaha pianos are available too.
So, as you leave the Suginami Koukaidou remember its legacy. It is a home for music, community and memories in Suginami.