機械振興会館

Completed in 1966, Kikai Shinko Kaikan stands proudly in Tokyo’s Minato ward. This building isn’t just a concrete structure. It represents the heart of Japan’s mechanical engineering industry. Kikai Shinko Kaikan serves as a hub for promoting and supporting this vital sector. The Japan Promotion Institute for Machinery Industry manages and operates this important building. The idea for Kikai Shinko Kaikan, and the association behind it, arose in 1962. Japan’s manufacturing industry was booming, and leaders saw the need for an organization dedicated to its growth. The Japan Promotion Institute for Machinery Industry was established in 1964. Shortly after, plans for Kikai Shinko Kaikan began to take shape. The building was envisioned as a central location. It would house a materials information center, machinery exhibition hall, industry club, and shared facilities. By September 1964, land purchase agreements were finalized. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on October 8th of the same year in Shiba Park. Construction proceeded smoothly. The main structure was completed in concrete by April 1966, and the entire project was finished by October. The total land acquisition cost was 1.084 billion yen, while the overall construction cost reached 3.346 billion yen. Kikai Shinko Kaikan has seen several renovations and upgrades throughout its history. By the late 1970s, plans for a major renovation were underway. This renovation, completed in March 1988, cost 3.05 billion yen. Later that year, an annex building was constructed. In 2003, a seismic assessment revealed concerns about the building’s earthquake resistance. Another major renovation project commenced in 2006 and concluded in September 2008. Kikai Shinko Kaikan continues to adapt to the evolving needs of the industry. In 2011, the Machinery Industry Information Library was renamed the BIC Library and expanded its focus on information dissemination. That same year, the basement level hall was renovated. It was equipped with state-of-the-art AV equipment to enhance its value and functionality. Today, Kikai Shinko Kaikan stands as a testament to Japan’s engineering prowess. It serves as a vibrant center for promoting and supporting the industry.