Nakagin Capsule Tower

The Nakagin Capsule Tower Building was a unique blend of residential and office spaces located in Shimbashi, Tokyo, designed by architect Kisho Kurokawa. Built between 1970 and 1972, the tower was a rare example of Japanese Metabolism architecture, a movement that symbolized Japan's cultural revival after World War II. It was the world's first practical capsule architecture building. Despite its historic significance, the building fell into disrepair and only 30 of the 140 capsules were occupied as apartments by 2012. Some were used for storage or offices, while others were abandoned and left to deteriorate. As of August 2017, the capsules could still be rented, albeit with a long waiting list.

In 2022, the building's demolition began despite attempts to preserve it as a historic landmark and efforts to raise funds to save it. The disassembly of the tower started on April 12, 2022, and its component units were repurposed. The building was not simply torn down, but disassembled.