Toei, a stalwart in the Japanese entertainment industry, has announced a significant transition with the relocation of its headquarters from the iconic Toei Kaikan in Ginza to Kyobashi Edgrand in Tokyo’s Chuo-ku district. This move, set for 2025, marks a new era for Toei after more than 60 years at its Ginza location. The decision is driven by the aging Toei Kaikan building, completed in 1960, which now requires extensive renovations to remain operational.
The redevelopment of Toei Kaikan, scheduled from 2025 to 2029, will transform the site into a commercial hub featuring hotels and stores, capitalizing on its prime location in a bustling retail district near Ginza Mitsukoshi and Yurakucho Marion. The choice not to house the new headquarters in the redeveloped building reflects a strategic pivot to leverage the site’s high commercial potential.
Kyobashi Edgrand, where Toei will relocate, is a modern 32-story structure opened in 2016. This building is ideally situated at the heart of Tokyo’s rapidly developing districts near Yaesu and Kyobashi, and it offers enhanced accessibility and convenience for business operations, bridging the business hubs of Nihonbashi and Marunouchi.
The closure of the Marunouchi Toei theaters, a historical cinema site, as part of the redevelopment plan, marks the end of an era for film enthusiasts. These theaters will shut down in the summer of 2025 and will not be included in the new development, mirroring the broader industry trend towards multiplex cinemas.
This move reflects a shifting landscape in Tokyo’s cinematic scene, where traditional single-screen theaters are making way for modern multiplexes, as seen with the popularity of TOHO Cinemas Hibiya. The center of Tokyo’s cinema culture is gradually migrating from the historical peripheries into the vibrant heart of the city.
