A landmark modernist building designed by renowned Japanese architect Kenzo Tange has been saved from demolition through a privately-funded preservation proposal that would transform the structure into a luxury hotel and cultural destination. The Kagawa Prefectural Gymnasium in Takamatsu, Japan, designed by the Pritzker Prize-winning architect, had been slated for demolition in 2025 before the prefectural government announced a formal acquisition and preservation plan in July 2025.
The concrete gymnasium, affectionately known as the "boat gym" for its distinctive vessel-like shape, has served as home to local sports events for over 50 years since its construction in the 1960s. However, the building was forced to close on September 30, 2014, due to critical structural issues including the need for seismic retrofitting and a roof leak caused by rusting suspension cables that required complete replacement for safe operation.
For years following its closure, no prospective buyers came forward to salvage the historical landmark, raising concerns among preservation advocates. The World Monuments Fund, which had been closely monitoring the situation, feared that the lack of interest would significantly increase the likelihood of demolition. Recognition of the building's architectural significance came in June 2018, when the gymnasium was selected as one of eight global sites to receive preservation funding from American Express through the World Monuments Fund program.
The gymnasium represents one of Kenzo Tange's most innovative explorations of modernist architecture during Japan's post-war reconstruction period. In the 1950s, Masanori Kaneko, who served as governor of Kagawa Prefecture at the time, commissioned Tange to design two new buildings in the prefectural capital of Takamatsu. This commission came during the height of Tange's career, as he was simultaneously working on the design of the Yoyogi National Gymnasium for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, cementing his status as Japan's leading architect.
Tange's design for the Kagawa Prefectural Gymnasium showcased his masterful use of modern materials to evoke traditional Japanese forms while serving contemporary functions. The architect intentionally shaped the structure to resemble both a traditional Japanese wooden barge and the strong, supple body of an athlete. The building's distinctive tilted-ship silhouette consists of a deep concrete ring supported by four massive concrete pillars, topped with a roof constructed from thin concrete slabs suspended by steel cables.
The interior layout reflects Tange's innovative approach to spatial design, with the main sports hall positioned above the entry level, which houses supporting facilities including dressing rooms and administrative offices. The building exemplified Tange's ongoing exploration of how reinforced concrete could be used to create vast, dynamic interior spaces that were both functional and emotionally stirring. The soaring eaves that rise dramatically above the welcoming glass facade of the main entrance create a sense of movement and energy, while the symmetric curved ceiling was specifically designed to amplify excitement during athletic competitions and ceremonial events.
The World Monuments Fund has consistently emphasized the irreplaceable value of this architectural achievement, warning that destroying the gymnasium would constitute an irretrievable loss to both Japanese and international architectural heritage. In response to growing preservation concerns, the WMF launched a comprehensive project in 2019 aimed at fostering community initiatives and building opposition to the proposed demolition.
Despite these preservation efforts, the building's future remained uncertain until recently, as the lack of a solid buyer willing to undertake the substantial restoration and ongoing maintenance costs kept the possibility of demolition on the table. The breakthrough came with the emergence of a self-funded private proposal that represents a significant turning point in the building's fate.
The new preservation plan promises to not only save one of Kenzo Tange's most celebrated modernist masterpieces but also breathe new life into the structure by transforming it into a vibrant destination that combines hospitality, arts, culture, and tourism. If approved and successfully implemented, this innovative repurposing project would provide a sustainable alternative to demolition while ensuring that the legacy of the beloved "boat gym" is preserved and celebrated for future generations to experience and appreciate.
