Friday, July 8, 2011

All That Flair


This photo is for VP, who asked what the "Bell Bottom Bldg" looked like in a previous post.

This building is officially called "Sonpo Japan Headquarter Building" and was built in 1976, which is actually around the time when I hear bell bottoms were popular here in Japan. I grew up in the 90s when those saggy baggy jeans with teeny tiny t-shirts were popular so I never got to actually wear real bell bottoms. Which is a shame because I love styles from the 70s!

Anyways, back to our bell bottom bldg...it was designed by Yoshikazu Uchida, a famous architect who was known for his "Uchida Gothic" style. After the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923, he was in charge of the reconstruction of the University of Tokyo campus. This building was one of the last designs that he did and although he was not alive when it completed, it's still one of the most famous skyscrapers in the west Shinjuku area.

Do you think it looks like a bell-bottom?


Enjoy looking at more beautiful skies all around the world here.

10 comments:

  1. nice angle! It really looks distinctive. My skywatch is up here.

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  2. Thank you, I like the building and this is very kind of you. I am a bit ashamed to confess that I wore a lot of real bell bottoms and still remember fondly the period... not only for the jeans, obviously!

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  3. Don't worry; I predict bell bottoms will make a comeback. And yes, this building captures the look.

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  4. Oh my old 70s jeans. How I hated them... :-) I like this building though, your angle enhances it. Vertigo!

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  5. Looks fabulous! I like the flaired line of this skyscraper. To me, it symbolizes strength and stability at the base.

    I too am guilty of promoting that look of the 70's. Just went with the flow...

    Have a great weekend Kaori. Take care.

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  6. I feel dwarfed by those gigantic buildings!

    PLANETS HURTLING THROUGH THE SKY

    Planets hurtling through the sky,
    Can you tell me one thing: Why
    Are you intent on fleeing
    Far from human sight and seeing?


    © 2011 by Magical Mystical Teacher


    Sky Through a Portal

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  7. I love it - it definitely reminds me of a bell bottom. That's a massive building, bigger than anything within hundreds of miles of me!

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  8. Funny title. What a strange shape it has.

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  9. You grew up in the 90s!!!! You mean I could be your GRANDMOTHER!!! LOL LOL! Okay, maybe not. But don't worry, I have eight-year-old friends too... LOL! Now what were we talking about, bellbottoms, yes, I wore them, probably at about the age you are now... LOL! Okay, try again. This is very cool building that will stand the test of time. And your angle on it is terrific... especially for SkyWatch.

    [Oh, almost forgot again: I thanked you for your advice on the photo sizing on my earlier blog; now thanking you again. It works!]

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  10. I missed this one.
    I have some pics of bldgs similar to this. One day soon I will post them.

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Thank you so much! Love it when you comment! xx