Retro Japan: Ex-dorm for A-bomb effects survey staff sits on Hiroshima hill
The two-story Hijiyama Hall made of reinforced concrete was completed in 1953 and served as an accommodation facility for staff of the Atomic Bomb Casualty Commission (ABCC), established by the United States after World War II. Designed by Kunio Maekawa (1905-1986), a leading figure in modernist architecture, it is considered one of Hiroshima's three major postwar architectural works, alongside Kenzo Tange (1913-2005)'s Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and Togo Murano (1891-1984)'s Memorial Cathedral for World Peace.
The building's exterior features a large open area with extensive use of glass windows at the front. Inside, the suspended staircase in the first-floor hall is particularly eye-catching. The individual rooms also maintain the architectural beauty characteristic to Maekawa, who also emphasized functionality.
In 1975, the ABCC was reorganized into the Radiation Effects Research Foundation (RERF), and Hijiyama Hall continued to be used as accommodation. However, with the building's aging, it has not housed residents for several years.
RERF is planning to relocate to Hiroshima University's Kasumi Campus in the same city, and discussions are ongoing regarding the future use of Hijiyama Hall.
(Japanese original by Kenjiro Sato, Osaka Photo and Video Department)
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The Japanese version of this article was originally published on June 22, 2025.
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This series explores Japan's architectural wonders and secrets of yesteryear. Read more Retro Japan articles here.
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