In a lively alleyway nestled near Mita Station stands a structure that seems to defy the laws of modern urban planning. The Arimaston Building, a strange concrete colossus, captures attention with its wonky curves, improbable ornaments, and raw charm. It’s like a wandering castle straight out of a Ghibli universe, an anomaly placed amidst perfectly aligned buildings. But this building is more than just a visual curiosity: it embodies the soul of its creator, Keisuke Oka, who dedicated nearly 20 years of his life to it.
A Handcrafted Giant
Imagine this: no plans, no heavy machinery, just simple tools, a few friends to lend a hand, and a mountain of patience. Since 2005, Oka has improvised every detail of this building, shaping the concrete like a sculptor works with clay. “I thought it would take me three years,” he jokes today. In the end, it took nearly two decades to bring this extraordinary structure to life. A deliberately slow pace, almost provocative, in a city where everything seems to be moving ever faster.
The Gaudí of Mita
In the neighborhood, he is affectionately nicknamed the “Gaudí of Mita”. A flattering comparison to the famous Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí, but Oka doesn’t copy anyone: he draws his inspiration from butō, that minimalist and surrealist Japanese dance, to create an architecture that breathes humanity. Every crack, every nook seems to whisper a story. His approach? Merge the role of the architect and the craftsman. And the result is there: concrete with a promised longevity of 200 years, just like that. Facing this work, one almost wants to believe it will outlast many of the neighboring skyscrapers.
Moving a Giant
The future of the Arimaston Building is uncertain. Due to urban redevelopment plans, this colossus will have to be… moved. Yes, on rails, 10 meters from its current location! An operation as surreal as the building itself. Oka, true to his optimism, sees in this challenge a new opportunity to add finishing touches to his work. “I thought three years would be enough, and here we are, almost 20 years later,” he jokes, unflappable.
In Praise of Slowness
This building is more than a monument: it’s a philosophy. In a world fueled by speed and mass production, Oka advocates a return to slow, manual work. It’s a vision inherited from his childhood in the countryside, where his mother made everything by hand. Through the Arimaston Building, he reminds us that creating with patience and passion gives a soul to every project.
A must-see in Tokyo
If you’re passing through, don’t miss this gem of originality. You might even encounter Oka, always smiling, his hands still covered in concrete. And even though the Arimaston seems to come from another world, it remains deeply rooted in ours: the one where taking the time to do things right is still an almost revolutionary act. And what if this philosophy of slowness and craftsmanship inspired you too? After all, in our often hurried lives, taking the time to create something sustainable might just be the most beautiful revolution.
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