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Retro Japan: Hino civic hall remains a welcoming space 4 decades after opening

TOKYO -- Some four decades after its completion in 1985, the well-maintained Hino civic hall in the suburban Tokyo city of Hino remains as comfortable

In 1985, the Hino civic hall in suburban Tokyo opened its doors, marking the beginning of four decades of service. Today, the reinforced-concrete building, affectionately known as Hino Renga Hall or Hino brick hall, continues to provide a welcoming atmosphere for all who enter. The well-maintained facility comprises four floors above ground and one basement level, with large and small halls, an exhibition room, a conference room and a meeting room.

Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a civic lobby featuring an atrium that ascends to the third floor. The lobby boasts an impressive ceiling height of 10.85 meters and is open to the public at all times. Comfortable large sofas are scattered throughout the space, inviting visitors to relax in their own manner.

The foyer of the large hall faces north, offering two-story windows that fill the room with abundant natural light. The hall is equipped with two stage curtains, each measuring 18 meters wide by 8 meters high, featuring distinct designs named Earth and Sun. These curtains contribute to the hall's unique ambiance.

The large hall is equipped with fixed seating, while the small hall allows for movable chairs, enabling the space to transform into an open, flat-floor venue as needed. Over the years, signs of wear can be seen on the seat backs and cushions, reflecting the countless generations of visitors who have gathered there, adding a touch of charm to the interior.

Written by urgent.news from The Mainichi's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.

Read the original at mainichi.jp →

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