Otemachi Bldg. was completed in 1958 as the largest mammoth building in Asia. A large-scale renovation that began in 2018 as part of the "challenge to become a 100-year building" was completed in 2021.
The long-established Japanese Japanese Sweets store, Suiedo Otemachi branch, has been located on the second basement floor of this Otemachi Bldg. since 2013. Why did the store, which has been headquartered in Shinkawa, Chuo Ward since 1943, decided to open in Otemachi/Yurakucho, and what is the current view from the new Otemachi Bldg.? We asked Mr. Atsumi, the third generation representative director and Japanese Sweets craftsman, who was the key person behind the decision to open a store in Otemachi Bldg., about his thoughts.

Otemachi Bldg. where the good old days have been inherited

Suikodo is a Japanese Japanese Sweets shop founded in 1943. Based on the concept of ``Making the best use of the ingredients and making each piece carefully,'' we sell carefully selected Japanese Sweets are made by hand by artisans and do not use preservatives. The store's signature product, ``Strawberry Daifuku,'' is so popular that it sells out by noon every day, and continues to be loved by many people. Currently, in addition to our main store, we also have stores in Otemachi Bldg. and Shin-Yurakucho Bldg.. Why did you decide to open your store in this location?

``The main reason is that it was a ``coveted place.'' Since we receive many purchases as Presents for business, someday we will open a store in the Otemachi, Marunouchi, and Yurakucho Area, which are one of Japan's leading business districts. I was also born and raised in Shinkawa, where our main store is located, so even as a child I had the image of this area as a sophisticated town where cool adults worked.''
Because it was a dream come true, he felt the hurdles were too high to actually open a store. However, when he was approached about opening a store, he says that when he saw Otemachi Bldg. for the first time, he fell in love at first sight and said, ``This is the only place I can find!''
``I was very attracted to the fact that it inherited things from the good old days.For example, marble was used in a way that would be unimaginable in today's world, and there was a sign next to Elevator that read ``No peddlers allowed.'' The signboard is still there (lol).It's not too flashy in a good way, and I felt a compatibility with our company because of its attitude of not being influenced by trends.The project to open the store Otemachi Bldg. came at a time when I was about to become president. My desire to open a store in this area was so strong that I decided to do so without even consulting my father, who was the previous owner.''

Even though it's a business district, the people of Otemachi value the connections that make them feel at home.

Otemachi Bldg. is unique in that it has a mysterious charm that makes you feel at ease even though it is located in the center of the city.
``There are many well-known shops in the commercial zone, but it has a very homely atmosphere. We received a voice of encouragement, saying, ``You'll definitely get good customers, so do your best.'' In fact, our company is also particular about making Japanese Sweets seriously, rather than flashy packaging or making money. This may be the reason why many businessmen who know a lot about "things" have come to our store.Also, many of our customers have been referred to us by other stores in the building, so we feel that there is a strong horizontal connection. ”.
The design of the Otemachi store also focused on ``friendliness'' rather than a high barrier to entry. The inside of the store is decorated with hand-drawn illustrations and explanations by the staff, which are changed with the seasons, creating a calming atmosphere.

``Since our founding, we have been a community-based business, so even in Otemachi and Yurakucho, we have retained the atmosphere of a downtown area.Perhaps that is why, in addition to business use, people buy just one piece as a snack for themselves. We also have a lot of customers.We also have ``Soganosato,'' which has been selling since its founding, but is hard to find at first glance.If we recommend it, they will say ``Let's try it.'' They even buy from us. I always feel the warmth of our customers."

One year after the Otemachi store opened, there was an episode like this.
“At our Otemachi store, we hold Events called ``Thanksgiving'' once a year, where we sell ``Strawberry Daifuku'' at half price (*Currently canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic). More people than people lined up, and when we opened the store, we said, ``Thank you very much, everyone,'' and the customers gave us a big round of applause. All the staff members were close to tears. The building was renovated. Even now, in a new environment, the kindness of our customers and other stores remains unchanged, and we continue to receive support from everyone."

​The city must move forward while valuing its history.

It has been decided that the "Shin-Yurakucho Bldg." where the Yurakucho store is currently located will be rebuilt. These are my thoughts on future changes in the city.
"The city is changing, the flow of people is changing, and I think it's time to move forward. It's sad to see historic buildings disappear, but if you just cling to the past, you'll eventually get tired of it. I think it's important to continue to incorporate cutting-edge aspects while valuing the history of the city, like Otemachi and Yurakucho today.''

The same can be said for making Japanese Sweets that preserve tradition.
``Based on the recipe devised by our grandfather, the founder of our company, we continue to improve the taste according to the seasons and times.We also need the courage to try new things.In fact, the sales of ``Strawberry Daifuku'' were originally created by our grandfather. However, my father secretly sold it while my grandfather was on Travel a result, it has now become a signature menu item.From now on, I will continue to make Japanese Sweets seriously and carefully. We want to move forward while valuing our customers."