Retro Japan: Welfare facility in Tokyo marks century of beauty and strength

TOKYO -- The main structure of Yokufukai, a social welfare organization, has endured for a century in the heart of Suginami Ward, a verdant area of Tokyo. This architectural marvel was designed by the skilled hands of Yoshikazu Uchida and Tatsundo Toki and was completed in 1926. The edifice comprises two stories and a basement, with a portion of the building extending to three stories, topped by an imposing tower.

After the devastating Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, the building was constructed using reinforced concrete, providing it with exceptional resistance to both earthquakes and fires. The exterior is adorned with brown scratch tiles, lending it a distinctive charm that has been preserved since its inception.

The wings of the building extend symmetrically from the central tower, creating a silhouette reminiscent of a bird spreading its wings. This design echoes that of the Yasuda Auditorium at the University of Tokyo, another creation by Uchida. The main entrance on the north side is flanked by doors featuring a delicate rose motif, while also serving as a seismic reinforcement point thanks to their thick iron construction.

A courtyard on the southern side houses two ponds, one large and one small, with a decorative object in the center of the smaller pond that mimics the main structure, adding a touch of playful sophistication to the landscape. Today, the tranquil grounds house an eldercare facility, a hospital, and maintain a serene, unhurried atmosphere.