Shimizu Corporation introduces tradition of construction

The Yoyogi National Gymnasium was constructed in 1964 for the Tokyo Olympics by Japanese construction company Shimizu Corporation.

Recently, the firm held a public lecture -- "Shimizu Open Academy" with the theme of "Yoyogi National Gymnasium Construction History".

Yoichi Miyamoto, Chairman, Shimizu Corporation, said, "I would like to continue to contribute to the development of young people's skill, in locations including Japan, as well as the rest of the world and also to grow their understanding of manufacturing."

A documentary video that recorded the history of Yoyogi National Gymnasium construction over 13 months was screened for the audience. The gymnasium is still considered as one of the most symbolic buildings for both the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and Shimizu Corporation.

After the screening, Mamoru Kawaguchi, who designed the gymnasium, spoke about the building technology, methods for supporting roofs and motif of traditional Japanese roofs.

"I heard about the architecture of Yoyogi National Gymnasium in my university class before but the story of Kawaguchi was very valuable for me," he said.

Miyamoto continued, "Yoyogi Gymnasium is popular among people from all over the world. The process of construction was a fully worked-out plan. And people who actually built it had spent great effort finishing it within a limited period of time. So, I want people to know about this great history and learn something valuable.