Unraveling 150 Years of Ginza's Landscape: Seminar by Architectural Historian Yusuke Matsumoto in July! Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Tour of SEIKO HOUSE (Former Wako Main Building) Linked to Lecture

Komatsu Wall Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Komatsu City, Ishikawa Prefecture; President and CEO: Shinya Kano; hereinafter 'Komatsu Wall') will hold the second session of its 'Architectural Seminar 2026,' which explores the history and future of architecture, on Monday, July 27, 2026.

Following the first session, which focused on the inheritance of modern architecture, this session will spotlight Ginza 4-chome intersection—the symbol of Japan's modernization and a district that continues to evolve. Using rich historical materials and commentary by architectural historian Yusuke Matsumoto, the seminar will trace the area’s transformation from the brick-built district established after the Great Ginza Fire of Meiji 5 (1872) to its present-day landscape over more than 150 years.

Additionally, two days after the lecture, a special behind-the-scenes tour of SEIKO HOUSE (formerly Wako Main Building), a landmark of Ginza, will be held exclusively for seminar participants. This unique program combines academic learning with real-world spatial experience, offering an intellectually stimulating, multidimensional event.

Exploring the Possibilities of Architecture: Komatsu Wall Launches 'Architectural Seminar 2026'

Launched in 2025, the seminar series was created as a forum for architects, architecture students, and industry professionals to jointly explore the nature of architecture and its future possibilities. In its inaugural year, the series hosted nine sessions featuring renowned architects such as Hiroshi Naito, Mitsuru Sendai, and Tetsuo Kobori, fostering new professional networks through discussions on craftsmanship and design philosophy.

For the 2026 continuation, building on last year’s success, the seminar will deepen its focus on the 'time' and 'history' embedded in architecture. Following last year’s discussions on the renovation and preservation of modernist buildings, this year’s second session will examine the historical evolution of Ginza 4-chome—the commercial heart of Tokyo that emerged alongside Japan’s modernization and continues to captivate people today.

2026 Session 2: The Historical Transformation of Ginza 4-chome Intersection

Since the modern era, Ginza 4-chome intersection has remained a focal point of Tokyo’s premier commercial district. The image of SEIKO HOUSE’s clock tower rising above the streetscape is instantly recognizable to nearly everyone.

This seminar will visualize, using abundant archival materials, the buildings that have stood at this site since the creation of the brick district after the 1872 fire, the businesses that operated within them, and how they shaped the urban fabric. It will clarify how today’s landscape came to be and provide insights into how this heritage should be preserved and developed in the future.

Furthermore, two days after the lecture, a special guided tour of SEIKO HOUSE (formerly Wako Main Building) will be held, allowing participants to experience firsthand the architectural and historical context discussed in the lecture. Stepping inside this iconic building—famous for its clock tower—offers a rare opportunity to feel, with all five senses, the weight and depth of authentic architectural space that cannot be fully captured through documents or photographs alone.

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Featured Architect Profile

Yusuke Matsumoto

Architectural Historian

Doctoral Program, Department of Architecture, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo

Has researched Japanese architectural history for over 10 years

Previously worked at Nikken Sekkei and an atelier-style architectural firm before becoming independent. Engaged in designing residential and medical facilities.

Currently serves as a lecturer for architectural history courses in Suginami and Koto wards. Also organizes public walking tours of historic buildings and heritage sites, drawing on over 20 years of urban exploration as a personal passion. Interests include art appreciation, tea ceremony, and deciphering historical documents.

Event Overview

<Lecture>

[Date & Time] Monday, July 27, 2026, 18:30–20:30 (Registration from 18:00)

[Venue] Komatsu Wall 101 TOKYO SHOWROOM / Online Streaming

[Capacity] 50 in-person attendees / Unlimited online participants

[Admission] Free

<Tour>

[Date & Time] Wednesday, July 29, 2026, 14:00–16:00 (Registration from 13:45)

[Venue] SEIKO HOUSE (Former Wako Main Building)

[Address] 4-5-11 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

[Capacity] 16 participants

[Eligibility] Lecture attendees only (Selection by lottery if oversubscribed)

[Application Deadline for Tour] Wednesday, July 15, 2026

[Registration Form] https://www.komatsuwall.co.jp/form/form.php?form_id=1425

*Please note: Due to facility management and confidentiality obligations, media coverage and photography are not permitted. We regret that we cannot provide official materials (images, videos, etc.) related to the venue.

About Komatsu Wall Co., Ltd.

Since its founding in 1968, Komatsu Wall has contributed to creating comfortable and safe spaces through the manufacturing, design, sales, and installation of partitions, toilet cubicles, sliding walls, and related products. Guided by the philosophy of 'Creating Value for Society Through Space,' the company continuously develops products that respond to evolving societal needs.

- Company Name: Komatsu Wall Co., Ltd.

- Headquarters: 1-72 Kogyodanchi, Komatsu City, Ishikawa Prefecture

- Representative: President and CEO Shinya Kano

- Established: January 22, 1968

- Business Activities: Manufacturing, design, sales, and installation of movable partitions, fixed partitions, toilet cubicles, sliding partitions, low partitions, etc.

- URL: https://www.komatsuwall.co.jp/