A journey tracing the accomplishments of Eiichi Shibusawa, a notable figure in 2021

[Tokyo, Nihonbashi Edition] Kabutocho, the birthplace of Eiichi Shibusawa's many achievements

Having spent his early youth in Fukaya, and then travelling to France and Shizuoka, Eiichi Shibusawa's base of operations in his 30s and 40s was Kabutocho in Nihonbashi.

Since the Meiji era, Kabutocho has been known as an "investment town" and "securities town," becoming the starting point of new industries and a place where investors gather to discuss the future of the Japanese economy. The man who stood at the center of this whirlpool and played a major role in the world was Eiichi Shibusawa.

Even today, many buildings connected to Eiichi Shibusawa remain in Kabutocho.

1. The Nisshokan office was built on the site of the former Shibusawa residence. There is also an auspicious stone where you can pray for the company's success and development.

The first place you should visit in Kabutocho is the Nisshokan Building, located behind the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

This was the residence of Eiichi Shibusawa in 1888, and later used as his office in his 30s and 40s. The building was burned down in the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, but the Nisshokan was constructed in 1928 by the Tokyo Stock Exchange, the predecessor of the current Tokyo Stock Exchange.

One thing you shouldn't miss at the Nisshokan is the "Red Stone" on display at the entrance. When Eiichi Shibusawa built his Kabutocho mansion, he installed this red stone as a lucky stone, praying for the development of the Japanese economy. It is said that Eiichi Shibusawa would touch this stone to pray for the success of the companies he was involved in and for the modern economic development of Japan.

Even today, visitors to the museum can make prayers by touching this stone. Since it was installed and used by Eiichi Shibusawa, who was involved in the founding and development of numerous companies during his lifetime, visitors are sure to receive power from it.

By the way, Akaishi is scheduled to be moved to a newly constructed building called "KABUTO ONE" in August so that it will be easier for the general public to experience.

Japan Securities Dealer

2. Establishing the center of the Japanese economy. Eiichi Shibusawa played a central role in establishing the Tokyo Stock Exchange Building (predecessor to the Tokyo Stock Exchange).

In the Meiji era, Kabutocho developed into a securities and financial district. As the Meiji government began issuing and trading public bonds, there were moves to establish an exchange in 1873, and it was Eiichi Shibusawa and his associates who actually made the establishment of the exchange a reality.

Thus, in 1878, the Tokyo Stock Exchange (the predecessor to the current Tokyo Stock Exchange) was established, which led to further development of Kabutocho as the center of the Japanese economy.

If you want to tour the Tokyo Stock Exchange, head to "TSE Arrows" from the West Entrance. In addition to the "Securities Historical Materials Hall" where you can learn about the history of Japan's securities market, there is also the "Stock Investment Corner" where you can experience buying and selling stocks based on news and company information distributed on a virtual securities market, and you can deepen your understanding along with valuable items.

This will be a very meaningful place for those who want to learn about the history of Japan's securities market and those who want to experience stock investment.

*We are currently suspending all tours.

Tokyo Stock Exchange

3. An evening immersed in the world Eiichi Shibusawa saw. K5, a complex that tells the story of Kabutocho today

Opened in 2020, K5, which incorporates a variety of functions including restaurants and hotels, is currently attracting attention as a place that will spark the revitalization of the entire Kabutocho area.

It was created by renovating the building of Daiichi Bank (completed in 1923), Japan's first general bank, which is a successor to the First National Bank founded by Eiichi Shibusawa.

Based on the concept of "Revitalize - Breathing new life into" the mall opened after undergoing large-scale renovation and has taken on tenants such as "CAVEMAN", produced by Meguro's popular restaurant "Kabi", and "SWITCH COFFEE TOKYO", a coffee shop that is garnering attention in Meguro and Yoyogi Hachiman.

The place where you can feel the strong presence of Eiichi Shibusawa in this building is "Ao", a bar and library. The library's bookshelves are arranged in layers such as Kabutocho, Tokyo, and Japan, creating a space where you can imagine the world as Eiichi Shibusawa himself saw it.

At the end of a day learning about his upbringing and achievements, it might be a good idea to spend some adult time at a bar, immersing yourself in the world that Eiichi Shibusawa saw.

K5

Experience the legacy of Eiichi Shibusawa and Japanese history in Kabutocho, Fukaya City

Eiichi Shibusawa made a major contribution to the development of Japan through the financial and economic world. The scale and achievements of his work are still clearly visible in the buildings today. Even if you don't know anything about the time, just visiting the site will be a valuable historical experience.

Follow the path of Eiichi Shibusawa, who is also attracting attention as the protagonist of the 2021 Taiga drama, and experience the history that connects him to present-day Japan.