What Tokyo really needs, a fuckin' Castle

[Taro Toporific]

Majestic symbol of Edo Castle may rise again over Tokyo in time for 2020 Games
Asahi.com | August 02, 2014
After 350 years, the fabled tower of Edo Castle may once again rise over the capital as a tourist draw to complement the 2020 Tokyo Games.
A nonprofit private group is spearheading efforts to rebuild the donjon--one of the largest wooden buildings in the world if constructed--that would offer a globally recognizable landmark in central Tokyo...
...The new structure is expected to feature 1,000 cypress trees for columns--each 60 centimeters in diameter--as well as 10,000 pine and cedar trees to rebuild the wall and floor of the tower.
Although most donjons were rebuilt with concrete in the past, rebuilding with wood, like the original, became trendy in recent years.
“(The tower project) will be a chance to showcase Japan’s expertise in building wooden structures, which is the best in the world,” said Miura.
More...

tokyo-castle.jpg

[wagyl]

Construction finshed in 1607, destroyed in widespread fires in 1657, not reconstructed since, I get the feeling that keeping the ruin is more representative than building. Plus I severely doubt that they can do it in time. I know that this reconstruction has a 350 year delay, but do Tohoku first.

would offer a globally recognizable landmark in central Tokyo...

Yeah, because an antenna Tokyo Skytree is not enough, and a castle keep differentiates Tokyo from every other castle town which has their keep...

[Dreamy_Peach]

I couldn't see where they will build it.

Nonetheless, I hope it contains at least a Beams, Afternoon Tea, Doutor, and maybe a small Yodobashi or Bic Camera.

[Wage Slave]

I couldn't see where they will build it.

On top of the remains of the original one? Or did I miss something?

[yanpa]

I couldn't see where they will build it.

On top of the remains of the original one?

Yes.

[Yokohammer]

Color me weird, but I think this is a great idea.

I wouldn't agree if it was going to be another boring concrete replica, but since they have detailed drawings of the original and are planning to do it properly I'm all for it.

[yanpa]

My initial reaction was "meh", but after seeing a programme on TV about it, I kind of like the idea.

Hands up everyone who's actually visited the site of the castle (raises hand).

[Wage Slave]

At first I was the same but yeah - a good idea and in 30 years time it will have weathered into it's niche very nicely.

[matsuki]

I wouldn't agree if it was going to be another boring concrete replica

Shhhhh, the family temple went through 3 similar fires and now is exactly that because "concrete don't burn!" The last fire was started by some homeless asshole who apparently could still come up with enough money for cigarettes and had enough physical ability to break in to a temple and "camp out."

Non-profit, private...no tax dollars going directly towards it? If so, hard to be against it...though what will it be used for other than simply another tourist attraction?

[Coligny]

Tsss... Will never be as imposing and gorgeous as Yoshida castle. In the BigT...

image.jpg

[wagyl]

Hands up everyone who's actually visited the site of the castle (raises hand).

and the rest of my hand up too.

[Doctor Stop]

Hand.

[Coligny]

Hand.

Wait, is that thing inside the imperial palace garden ? I though it was an overbuild helipad...

Edo era... Helipad !?

///whatev'

[matsuki]

Even if you don't like castles, 1,000 less sugi to fuck with your allergies is a good thing

[IparryU]

Just blowing money.... what about them people in fuckedshima that still dont have a proper home? Oh ya... just dont look over there... look at this castle!

[yanpa]

Just blowing money.... what about them people in fuckedshima that still dont have a proper home? Oh ya... just dont look over there... look at this castle!

What about the starving children in Africa?

Anyway, it's not like the state is going to be looting its Tohoku rebuilding kitty to finance this.

The cost to build a replica is estimated at 35 billion yen ($339.9 million). The group plans to raise the funds by soliciting donations from the public, in addition to the money its 3,700 group members will chip in

[Coligny]

What about the starving children in Africa?

It's ok, they will have ebola soon, one stoner, two birdie...

[matsuki]

The cost to build a replica is estimated at 35 billion yen ($339.9 million). The group plans to raise the funds by soliciting donations from the public, in addition to the money its 3,700 group members will chip in

That's a lot of money for a new pawaa supotto to do hanami and watch fireworks at. Maybe they'll relocate some of the war criminal graves there and it'll become the next yasukuni