Fifty years ago this grand mansion stood silent. It is the former residence of Hattori Kintaro. He was the founder of the Seiko watch company. The Hattori House as it is known. It stands majestically in Hakurakucho Minato-ku Tokyo.
This imposing structure wasn’t always here. Its origins date back to 1933. Architect Kogo Kintaro designed it. He was famed for designing structures like the Imperial Hotel. The mansion boasts a vast land area around 16815 square meters. That’s a significant footprint for a private residence even in Tokyo. Imagine the sprawling gardens surrounding it then.
After World War II the Hattori House was seized by the General Headquarters. The GHQ used the house for various purposes. One fascinating historical fact. The mansion served as a temporary translation center. For some time it housed translators. Their task? To translate the Tokyo Tribunal judgments from English into Japanese. Picture the hushed atmosphere. The dedicated translators diligently at work.
The house was later acquired by Seiko. It remained largely untouched. An extremely expensive sale to the company that took place in 2014. The price? A staggering 500 million yen. The sale was big news in Japan. Many were surprised by the astronomical amount.
Today the Hattori House stands as a testament to a bygone era. Its architecture reflects a distinct style. It remains a landmark in the Hakurakucho area. A significant piece of Tokyo’s history. The mansion stands as a monument. A reminder of the significant impact of Kintaro Hattori. A man whose legacy extends far beyond the walls of this extraordinary house. His contribution to Japan’s horological industry is undeniable. His former home will continue to stand as a reminder of this important historical figure. The Hattori House stands as a timeless symbol. It symbolizes entrepreneurial success and historical significance.