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| Marubiru: Marunouchi | |||
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Rebuild it and they will come - in droves. Such is the case with the gleaming new "Marubiru." Thirty-six floors of shops, restaurants and offices were constructed on the site of Tokyo's first modern office building - the 1923 Marunouchi Building - and opened to the crowds on September 6, 2002.
Abandoning the staid design of its predecessor, the 180-meter-tall Marubiru flies into the future, starting with its huge MaruCube atrium (1F). Currently suspended from its ceiling is a collection of giant bubble-like forms, housing flat panel displays. The displays feature not only film previews but also shots of unsuspecting visitors, filtered through some nifty SFX. MaruCube also has a stage, grand piano and seating for concerts. Foodies should flock to the "restaurant zones" (5-6F, 35-36F), where they can sample global cuisine - be it Chinese shark's fin soup, Korean barbeque or Hawaiian gourmet hamburgers. There's also a large open space on 5F where diners can sit and enjoy their meal surrounded by greenery, city views and natural light. While many of the eateries offer Asian dishes, scales are tipped in favor of Japanese cuisine. Reflecting Marubiru's "unique atmosphere", prices are higher than average, though affordable fare is available. Those not in the mood for queues and credit cards should head for B1, where bagels, sweets, deli items, and (naturally) Starbucks and Lawson await, in addition to lifesavers like the American Pharmacy and Meidi-ya. Before or after eating your way through the complex, don't forget to browse the stores (1-4F) to understand the main reason for Marubiru's massive facelift: the young cosmopolitan Tokyo woman, especially one with a Breakfast-at-Tiffany's complex. The shops cater to every Holly Golightly whim, from nails to hair, jewels to bags, and shoes to shoes (5 shops at last count). In fact, Marubiru's opening campaign featured a giant pair of ruby red pumps walking towards its entrance. Don't let 'em trample you. Regardless of whom Marubiru was designed for, this new version injects enough pizzazz and sparkle to insure that, bad economy or not, cash registers will quickly be singing a happy tune. by David Chester |
Marubiru
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