Tatsuhiko Adachi × Chisako Takashima

2016.01.15

An interview series featuring Ginza people in conversation with violinist Chisako Takashima. With a special fondness for Ginza, which holds many memories both from her professional and private lives, Takashima explores Ginza from various dimensions with her guests.In this volume, she welcomes Mr, Tatsuhiko Adachi, President and CEO of Wako, a renowned symbol of Ginza.

Wako’s history and its clock tower, a symbol of Ginza

Takashima: Please tell me about Wako’s history.
Adachi: Wako Co., Ltd. was established in 1947 (Showa 22), and initiated business operations at Ginza 5-chome when it took over the retail division of Hattori Tokeiten (clock store), founded in 1881 (Meiji 14). Back then, the clock tower in Ginza 4-chome had been confiscated for use as the PX (Post Exchange). In 1952 (Showa 27), the building was returned and we moved to the current Main Building.
Takashima: The clock tower is now widely known as a landmark of Ginza. When was it built?
Adachi: The current clock tower is the second one in the building’s history. Designed by Hitoshi Watanabe, whose works include the main building of the Tokyo National Museum and the Nichigeki Theater, it was completed in 1932 (Showa 7). All four sides of the tower have a clockface.

Wako, Main Building

First Floor of Wako, Main Building

The inspiration behind the world-famous window display

Takashima: Wako is famous for its clock tower, but it is also known for its beautiful window displays. I always drive to Oji Hall in my own car for my regular concerts, which I hold once every three months, and my heart always starts pounding just as your window display comes into sight (laughs). All of a sudden I get nervous that I will be going on stage very soon!
Adachi: We are very close to Oji Hall (laughs).
Takashima: Of course, I normally enjoy seeing your window display. How many times a year do you rearrange the display?
Adachi: We change it about ten times a year. We basically do seasonal displays, with the exception of the time of year of the Tokyo Marathon, when we have a special display exhibiting Seiko’s official timer
Takashima: Are the displays designed by your employees?
Adachi: Yes. We have a Design Planning Division, where a team of around eight employees work on the window displays, which are a very important part of our corporate history,
Takashima: What do you consider to be the role of your window displays?
Adachi: Our displays do not aim to promote sales of a particular product but are our way of communicating themes and ideas to Ginza. Our basic concept is to entertain everyone who visits Ginza.

Window display “Akari”

1 2

All List