Because the same culture that gave us this…
And this
And this
Also came up with this
If this isn’t the most butt-ugly building you’ve ever seen, wrap me in seaweed and roll me in fish eggs.
Seriously, who could possibly have imagined this would be attractive? Who signed off on it? Who wasted months of their lives that they’ll never get back building it?
But the lovable thing about this dog’s breakfast of a highrise is, somebody tried something that wasn’t typical stucco goosebumps. They failed (hell yeah) but they tried. And don’t you think it’s true that nobody does anything great unless they try things that are could go just as spectacularly wrong as they might go spectacularly right?
In Japan, buildings (especially residential buildings) aren’t really built to last more than 30 years, which is why people are willing to experiment a little and aren’t thinking in terms of My Legacy For The Ages. Someday, this monstrosity will be swept away for something nicer. Or not. I sort of hope something equally hideous replaces it, to give me reason to stop and think about how important it is to try and fail. And that without ugliness, there would be no beauty.
Would you like to be whisked away to Japan, no matter where you are?
“The Samurai’s Octopus is a truly remarkable book, one that surprised and charmed me at every turn of the page…an enchanting, fascinating journey. You’re in for a treat.”
—James Ziskin, Anthony, Barry, and Macavity Award-winning author of the Ellie Stone mysteries
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Jonelle Patrick writes mystery novels set in Tokyo, and blogs at Only In Japan and The Tokyo Guide I Wish I’d Had
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