In 2022, the public was shocked by the news of the demolition of one of the most iconic buildings in Japan, the Nakagin Capsule Tower. This demolition was carried out due to various factors, one of which was because the capsule structure's condition had undergone decay.

The capsules on Nakagin Capsule Tower before demolished

There are various opinions, pros and cons regarding the demolition of this tower. However, one of the former residents of the capsule, Tatsuyuki Maeda, said that the capsule's preservation will be important considering that the Nakagin Capsule Tower is a historic building that pioneered metabolic architecture in Japan.

Demolition of Nakagin Capsule Tower started in April 2022 (Photo by Nakagin Capsule Tower Preservation and Restoration Project)

Out of 140 prefabricated modules, the demolition left 23 modules saved for the Nakagin Capsule Tower Preservation and Restoration Project. One of its modules, Capsule A1302, has now been acquired by the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) in the US, making it the first museum to receive a capsule from the metabolic building.

One of the capsules to be preserved 

Previously, when Capsule A1302 was part of the Nakagin Capsule Tower building, it was located on the top floor's tower and was used as a set for several films. The uniqueness of this 9-square-meter capsule has attracted the attention of many people, regardless of its history and movement. The capsule, shaped like a washing machine, can accommodate residents with built-in facilities such as round windows, bathrooms, beds, wardrobes, and built-in desks.

The condition of capsule's interior

Exactly 4 decades after its existence in Ginza, Tokyo, this building was built in the post-war metabolic architecture movement by architect Kisho Kurokawa. This movement has a visionary goal centered on the idea of buildings that can be flexibly adapted and replaced.

Then, this realization reflects Kurokawa's initial idea as stated by SFMOMA, "the acquisition of Capsule A1302 reflects the architect's desire that the capsule not stay, but move to another location".

When the photographer took photos of the capsule's interior

In addition to acquiring Capsule A1302, SFMOMA also gets nine photos of the Nakagin Capsule Tower, shot by artist Noritaka Minami. The photos document the building's interior between 2010 and 2022.

Gloun make a virtual/3D version of the Nakagin Capsule Tower

During last year's post-demolition, the Nakagin Capsule Tower Preservation and Restoration Project continues. To commemorate the monumental building, Japanese digital consultancy Gloun recently created a highly accurate virtual model of the Nakagin Capsule Tower. Until the last news heard, studio Kurokawa held an auction for the rights to rebuild it in the metaverse.

Nakagin Capsule Tower created in Metaverse

Photo is by Noritaka Minami unless stated otherwise and Nakagin Capsule Tower Preservation and Restoration Project.