TOKYO TORCH Tokiwabashi Tower Tour of a Next-Generation Office Where Employees Enjoy Work More

Sep 27, 2023

#Next-generation office #OfficeTour #Tokiwabashi #TOKYO TORCH

TOKYO TORCH is a new town being developed in the Tokiwabashi area in front of Tokyo Station. The first project, Tokiwabashi Tower, was completed in June 2021.

Tokyo Century relocated its Specialty Financing segment to Tokiwabashi Tower in May 2023 and began operations on the 22nd floor as part of its efforts to improve and enhance the Company’s office environment. In this article, staff take you through the Tokyo Century Tokiwabashi Office and highlight some of the most appealing features of this state-of-the-art office building.

Touchless Entry from Entrance to Office Floor

Going up to the second floor from the first-floor entrance lobby of Tokiwabashi Tower brings you to a spacious office lobby. The elevator is equipped with a destination prediction system, and when you have your employee ID card scanned at the security gate, the elevator you need to board is designated for your convenience so you can enter the building without having to select any buttons. In other words, the elevator will take you directly to the Tokyo Century office on the 22nd floor.

Entrance Featuring an Arched Passageway

Wada: “We have arrived at our office entrance on the 22nd floor! From here, our employees will guide you to each feature of the floor.”

I’m Wada from the Personnel Division. This is Tokyo Century’s office entrance. What catches my eye is the arched passageway leading to the office area.

I heard that the soft curves of a newly sprouted plant influenced the design of this entrance, which reflects the concept of the Tokiwabashi office. It’s somewhat similar to Tokyo Century’s logo as well.

Since the office entrance can serve as the face of a company, this distinctive design is likely to leave a lasting impression on visitors. I usually work at the Akihabara head office, though I must say that the sophisticated design of this office in Tokiwabashi Tower really lifts my spirits.

Wada

Office Area with Plenty of Personal Space

Yamashita: “A large desk and dual displays are essential for work efficiency.”

Yamashita

This is the office area. It’s equipped with adjustable height desks, so I can work standing up, which is great for when I feel sluggish after lunch or want a change of pace.

Open Conference Room with a Panoramic View of Tokyo Station and Surrounding Area

Yoshimura: “The conference room is bright and open, with light coming in through the large dual-paned windows.”

The conference room can accommodate large groups. Its view is outstanding, with Tokyo Station and the surrounding area visible from the upper floor. I bet that people in here will be more enthusiastic when exchanging ideas.

Yoshimura

Family Restaurant-Style and Teleconference Booths

Ohgishi: “The family restaurant-style booth is an open space, so I can work in a relaxed atmosphere.”

I’m in the Personnel Division, which means I usually work at the Akihabara head office. But sometimes I use the Tokiwabashi office for conversations with students interested in joining the Company. This family restaurant-style booth allows me to work in a relaxed atmosphere, while the teleconference booth next door is also very convenient, and good for online meetings and phone calls.

Ohgishi

Refreshment Space for a Change of Pace and Greater Work Efficiency

Iwaki: “The refreshment space is used for various purposes, including chatting over coffee and informal gatherings.”

Iwaki

There’s also a refreshment space in the work area, which adds to the spacious feel of the location and makes spending time here easier.

Moving from the 22nd to the 8th Floor! Plus an Exclusive Lounge for Office Workers

Oka: “There’s also a cafe, where lots of people go for takeout or to stay for lunch.”

The eighth-floor lounge is exclusively for office workers, who can use it in any way they like─for example, it’s an alternative place to get work done, or it can be used for personal study outside of working hours. Since there’s Wi-Fi access as well as power outlets and a bunch of comfortable sofas, I come here to relax after work or meet up with colleagues.

The lounge is also used by employees of other companies with offices in the Tokiwabashi Tower, so it’s a good place for possible interactions with them.

Oka

Third-Floor Dining Space with Great Choice of Menu Items

Okada: “At lunchtime, this area is a cafeteria exclusively for office workers, but in the evening, outside guests are here.”

Okada

This is the third-floor dining space. At lunchtime, it’s MY Shokudo─a cafeteria only for employees who work on the office floors. All its dishes are tasty, and I like the daily set menu.

MY Shokudo is known for its speedy service, and you can place orders through a dedicated app, too. If you register a payment method, such as a credit card, you can pay automatically to avoid spending time at the counter. My favorites are the rice bowls, and there’s quite a variety to choose from.

Okue

Okada

In the evening, the dining space is open to outside guests. After work, I have dinner with my peers or get together with senior colleagues here.

The atmosphere has a modern feel at this time of day; you get a different sense at lunchtime. It’s great for a quick after-work drink before heading home.

Oka

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses across the globe are reevaluating the importance and nature of physical offices. Meanwhile, Tokyo Century is making progress toward creating a sustainable economy and society that will enrich people’s lives and our planet, an endeavor that is embodied in Tokiwabashi Tower─a next-generation office building designed to elevate the quality of work life.

The second part of this issue will feature an interview with a representative of Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd., one of Tokyo Century’s partners and the developer of the TOKYO TORCH project. She will share her thoughts on the development of Tokiwabashi Tower.