Architect Togo Murano

Shima Kanko Hotel is a resort hotel in Ise-Shima Kashikojima where you can spend a wonderful time outside of the ordinary.

Architect Togo Murano

the CLUB: A place where you can experience the era when the hotel was founded

From Shima Time Summer 2021 issue

Mr. Togo Murano (photo by Toshio Tabira)

Shima Kanko Hotel , built on a hill overlooking the scenic Ago-Bay , was designed by Murano Togo, a representative Showa-era architect who also worked on the Nissay Theater and the State Guest House (formerly Akasaka Palace), and completed when he was 60 years old. It is also introduced in the field of architecture as a building of historical value.

" the CLUB" and "the CLASSIC" blend Japanese, European and modernist architectural styles in harmony, and the charm of their original architecture can be felt by skillfully weaving them together. In addition to the buildings, Murano also designed the furniture in the hotels, and it is clear that he also thought about the people who would gather in those spaces. Professor Kazuto Kasahara of Kyoto Institute of Technology, who has researched Murano, will guide us through the charm and architectural beauty of Murano's works that can be seen throughout the hotels.

Professor Kasahara

Assistant Professor, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Department of Design and Architecture. Director, Housing Heritage Trust Kansai. Specializes in modern architectural history and architectural preservation and restoration. Mainly involved in organizing exhibitions and symposiums on modern Japanese architects, with a focus on Murano Togo, and editing books.

Murano Togo's modernism remains in "the CLUB".

The current Shima Kanko Hotel, "the CLUB," was built on Kashikojima in 1951 after relocating the Naval Officers' Club (Suzuka City) designed by Murano. When it was relocated, the building was remodeled, including adding more floors to suit the undulating terrain.

Stairs leading to the second floor of "the CLUB"

The staircase leading from the entrance of "the CLUB," which was the hotel's entrance when it first opened, to the second floor was also built to fit the hotel when it was relocated, and Professor Kasahara says that this staircase reflects Murano's unique design. "Murano was an architect who thought about how the people who would use the place would feel. For example, there is a landing at the end of the stairs. This is the same principle as when an airplane lands, where the pilot reduces the angle of the plane just before touching down on land to ensure a smooth landing and reduce shaking. The landing allows people descending the stairs to take a breather, and then they can walk on smoothly after they have finished descending." Murano also expressed modernism* by making the handrails of the stairs curved rather than ending at right angles or straight lines, and deliberately extending some parts forward to create connections within the building and give the space continuity.

A new style of architecture that emerged in Europe after the Industrial Revolution, rejecting traditional styles. It made extensive use of steel, concrete, and glass, and employed highly abstract forms that eliminated decoration, pursuing functionality and rationality. This caused a revolution in the world of architecture.

An open, circular atrium

The atrium of "the CLUB" also shows the distinctive features of Murano's architecture. "The exposed beams and pillars are Japanese-style architecture. The pendant lights are European-style, and the spatial presentation, which fluidly connects the basement and second floor with a bridge in between, is modernist. The way that Murano manages to blend these three elements into one space is a testament to his high level of technique and design ability."

Cafe & Wine Bar "Lien" Tasteful space design

Upon entering the cafe and wine bar Lien, the bar counter side has an open design that makes use of the high ceiling. Meanwhile, the seating area overlooking the garden has a panoramic view that gives a sense of horizontal space. The upper part of the two spaces is separated by a plaster wall. "By setting up the wall and consciously cutting into the space, and opening holes to reveal the other side, we have created both variation and continuity within the room." Another distinctive design feature is the orchestra box that juts out from the second floor into the seating area, which was used during the time of the Naval Officers' Club. "Murano's distinctive feature is that he uses techniques that defy gravity, in other words, make the pieces appear light as if they are floating in the air, creating an elegant impression."

Experience the profound appeal of Murano's works through "the CLASSIC."

"the CLASSIC" Lobby Ceiling

The lobby of "the CLASSIC" retains its quaint and calm atmosphere even after its renovation in 2016. "The use of wood on the ceiling is an old architectural technique called YAMATO-bari, which is in the style of a sukiya-style building. Professor Murano consciously incorporated a design with a local feel."

Professor Kasahara talks about the spatial techniques of "La the CLASSIC"

Next we headed to the restaurant La the CLASSIC. It is a large space that can seat up to 230 people, but it has a stately yet light impression, and strangely, there is no sense of oppression or uniformity. Murano says that this is due to the furniture, such as the chairs, that he designed. "The legs of the chairs are made thinner as they get closer to the floor, giving it a light impression, and the gaps in the backs and armrests allow for a sense of openness without blocking the view. The ceiling is also divided into areas, with the height slightly changing near the windows and in places that connect to other rooms. The layers in this way are designed to divide the same space into different areas, and to draw attention to the scenery."

The exterior of the CLASSIC, which was built in 1969, is also peppered with Murano's architectural features. "When building a hotel with 200 rooms, the European idea is to start with a big box and then divide the inside, but Murano used a staggered-geese structure, inspired by Japanese architecture, in which several buildings are added together. The building is made of reinforced concrete and has a Japanese-style exterior design. Eaves are added to each floor to reduce the sense of vertical scale, and the walls are designed with unevenness that evokes beams. Gaps are created in the four corners of the building to eliminate the feeling of oppression and allow a sense of light to be felt on the other side, creating a connection with the scenery."

Elevation of "the CLASSIC" during the pre-construction study stage.
The balance between the terrain and the existing buildings and exterior appearance has been carefully considered.
(Property: Kyoto Institute of Technology Art and Crafts Museum)

the CLASSIC's rooftop turret

Professor Kasahara also draws attention to the turret roof on the rooftop: "Even though it's a small building, the roof has layers. And by folding the top of the roof, it looks gentle. The bottom of the building is concave, making it look light despite being made of concrete. Professor Murano is the only one who does such detailed work on parts that are hard to see. To put it in perspective, it's like paying attention to every detail of the base and lining of a well-tailored suit."

What does Professor Kasahara find attractive about Murano's architecture? "Whether you look at it from a distance or up close, the buildings have expression. There's something indescribably interesting about them. Also, the spaces are cut and connected, which gives them variety and depth. The more you observe a building carefully, the more you can discover its charm. I feel a sense of refinement that is unique to the Japanese in Professor Murano's work."

Floral-themed lighting in the SHINJU Room of the CLASSIC banquet hall

We then went to the SHINJU no Ma, a large banquet hall that Murano designed in his later years.
As Murano got older, his designs became more and more glamorous, incorporating floral motifs. Finally, we asked Professor Kasahara about his thoughts on the Shima Kanko Hotel, which still lives on in the spirit of Murano. "The masterpieces of the era are still treasured and used today. And the fact that all of Murano's works, from his 50s to his later years, are gathered together in one place is one of the attractions of the Shima Kanko Hotel. I hope people will take the time to appreciate every detail." By experiencing the entire building as a work by the architect Murano Togo, you can also get a sense of the hotel's history.

Interview date: May 2021

Return to Feature Articles List

Shima Kanko Hotel quarterly magazine "Shima Time"

The Ise-Shima region changes its appearance little by little with the gentle passage of time, providing us with the flavors and colors of each season.
As the seasons change, Shima Kanko Hotel quarterly magazine, "Shima Time," introduces the four seasons of Ise-Shima through the local culture and abundant nature.