Fuji TV Headquarters Building

In short

The Fuji TV Headquarters Building is the head office of Fuji Television located along the waterfront in Odaiba, officially named the "FCG Building." Designed by architect Tange Kenzo, it is known for the 32-meter-diameter sphere incorporated into its lattice-like structure. Inside the sphere is the "Hachitama" Spherical Observation Room on the 25th floor.

• ​"Hachitama" Spherical Observation Room​​: An observation room offering a 270-degree view of the Tokyo Waterfront City from 100 meters above the ground. You can see Tokyo Tower across the Rainbow Bridge.
• ​Titanium Sphere​​: Weighing 1,200 metric tons, its exterior is covered with 3,200 titanium panels. It was assembled on the 7th floor and lifted up to the 25th floor.
• ​Fujisan Terrace​​: A rooftop garden on the 7th floor, where you can look up at "Hachitama" directly from below.

History and Highlights

The ​Fuji TV Headquarters Building​ is the headquarters of Fuji Television, situated along the bay in Odaiba. Its official name is the "FCG Building." Standing 123.45 meters tall, it has 25 stories above ground and 2 basement levels. Construction took place from April 1993 to June 1996, after which Fuji TV relocated here from Kawada-cho in Shinjuku Ward.

It was designed by architect Tange Kenzo, who was acclaimed on the world stage. Combining a lattice-like frame with a sphere, this building is said to be the last huge project directly directed by Tange. The design aimed to create a symbol for Odaiba and an "open television station" where interior and exterior spaces merge into one.

Particularly striking is the sphere incorporated into the lattice frame. It has a diameter of 32 meters and weighs 1,200 metric tons. Its exterior is clad in 3,200 titanium panels. Aluminum is used for the straight sections of the building, and this contrast in texture makes the sphere stand out prominently.

The sphere was assembled on the 7th-floor open-air garden and hoisted up to the 25th floor over the course of nine and a half hours. It is said that hoisting an irregularly shaped load with an off-center balance from three points was the first attempt of its kind in the world.

Viewing and Experience Highlights

• ​"Hachitama" Spherical Observation Room​​: Inside the sphere on the 25th floor is the "Hachitama" observation room. From 100 meters above the ground, it commands a 270-degree view of the Tokyo Waterfront City. You can see Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree beyond the Rainbow Bridge, and on clear winter days, Mount Fuji can also be viewed.
• ​Grand Staircase and Tubular Escalator​​: The grand staircase—12 meters wide and 100 meters long—along with the tubular escalator running outside, are also distinctive features of this architecture.
• ​Fujisan Terrace​​: The Fujisan Terrace on the 7th floor is a rooftop garden that also serves as an event venue and live stage. From here, you can look up directly beneath "Hachitama." The ticket counter for "Hachitama" is also situated on the 7th floor.

Tips for Exploring

It is a 3-minute walk from the South Exit of Daiba Station on the Yurikamome Line, and a 5-minute walk from Exit B of Tokyo Teleport Station on the Rinkai Line. Take the elevator in the Fuji TV Mall on the 1st floor directly to the 7th floor, and after transferring to the elevator bound for "Hachitama," you will reach the 25th floor. Once outside, Odaiba Marine Park is approximately 540 meters to the north-northeast. Walking about 800 meters north-northwest will bring you to Daiba Park, where the ruins of artillery batteries from the end of the Edo period remain. The silhouette of the building viewed across Tokyo Bay at night is another memorable aspect of this architecture.