Majestic sight: A snow-covered Mount Fuji, seen from an airplane window, is one of the most iconic landmarks in Japan. — AP
TOKYO: A Japanese property developer has decided to demolish a near-complete, 10-storey condominium in Tokyo after pushback from neighbours who said it blocked a view of Mount Fuji.
The company Sekisui House said in a statement Tuesday it had “voluntarily decided to discontinue the project”.
“There is no denying that the current situation has an enormous impact on the landscape. We have decided to prioritise the view from the road,” it said.
The recently built apartments are in part of western Tokyo famous for its picturesque views of Japan’s highest mountain, which appears to soar into the sky from the end of the road named Fujimi or “Fuji Viewing” street.
But the tall new block spoils this effect because it obstructs half of the majestic active volcano.
Construction went ahead despite protests by residents proud of the street’s scenery, and tenants had been due to move into the condo in Tokyo’s Kunitachi district next month.
Then – in a shock move – developer Sekisui House recently put up a notice saying the complex would be demolished.
There was nothing illegal about the construction process, Sekisui House said Tuesday, but “our consideration of long-distance views of Mount Fuji has been insufficient”.
For some residents, the decision was welcome news.
“We didn’t want to lose the appeal of our town, where on a sunny day you have a clear view of Mount Fuji,” one local told broadcaster TBS. — AFP
