Latest news with #RoppongiHills
The Mainichi
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Mainichi
Mayor seeks removal of US military facility in Tokyo's Roppongi amid chopper concerns
TOKYO -- The Akasaka Press Center in Tokyo's Roppongi district is one of a number of locations that have been used by U.S. military forces in Japan since the end of the Pacific War in 1945. The capital's Minato Ward, which houses the site, has long called on the Japanese government to remove it due to noise from helicopters and concerns about the possibility of accidents. In an interview with the Mainichi Shimbun in May this year, Minato Ward Mayor Ai Seike, 50, noted changes in the surrounding environment, such as the increase in high-rise buildings and flight congestion resulting from the new Haneda flight routes. "There are structural dangers and I want to continue to seek its removal. The mayor has a responsibility to protect the safety of the ward and the lives of its residents," she emphasized. Facility located in heart of Roppongi's entertainment district Seike was born and raised in Minato Ward and after working as a newspaper reporter, served as a ward councilor for 13 years before being elected as mayor in June last year. As for why she is asking for the removal of the facility, she said, "The center, equipped with a heliport, is located in the heart of Roppongi's entertainment district, where high-rise buildings like Roppongi Hills stand and where people from all over Japan and the world gather. The rising height of buildings in the surrounding area is making the situation increasingly dangerous." Seike also cited the opening of the new Haneda flight routes in 2020, in which planes landing at Haneda Airport fly low over the city center, and the fact that U.S. military helicopters using the center now pass under these routes. Concerns about structural dangers In January this year, a U.S. military helicopter collided with a passenger plane in Washington, D.C., killing 67 people. Seike noted with concern that the accident occurred at the crossing point of the two aircraft. The helicopter involved was a Black Hawk, the same type that flies to the Akasaka Press Center. "The conditions are similar to those in the airspace over Roppongi, and the risk of a collision was made real to the nearby residents of the center. Although the government has explained safety measures, there is a structural danger with U.S. military helicopters crossing paths with passenger planes. The damage from an accident would be enormous," she said. Flying low over children's heads The mayor also feels concerned that U.S. military helicopters using the center fly low over children playing in the adjacent Tokyo Metropolitan Aoyama Park. Seike herself has witnessed U.S. military helicopters flying close by with her child and remarked, "While it's become a normal sight locally, it feels strange when viewed objectively. From a safety perspective, it would be preferable to remove the center and integrate the site into a metropolitan park." A responsibility to ensure safety In March this year, it was announced that a U.S. Forces Japan satellite office had been set up at the Akasaka Press Center. The new department, which will coordinate with the Japanese Ministry of Defense's Joint Operations Command, is expected to become fully operational in the future. According to the ward, residents have expressed concerns that helicopter traffic between Yokota Air Base, where the command is located, and the Akasaka Press Center may increase, heightening noise and accident risks. Seike stressed, "I will continue to persistently call on the government to secure safety, provide information and ensure that strengthening of functions does not lead to the center's permanence." She added, "I fully understand that the security environment surrounding Japan is growing tougher, but the mayor has a responsibility to separate security issues and protect the safety of the ward and residents' lives. If the mayor doesn't properly explain the situation to the government and make an appeal, who will protect them?" Japanese government not negotiating on relocation The land where the center is located was seized by the U.S. military immediately after the war. The heliport is primarily used by military helicopters belonging to U.S. bases in the suburbs of the capital, and the site also includes the office of the U.S. military's semi-official newspaper, Stars and Stripes, and lodging quarters for U.S. military personnel. The Minato Ward Assembly has requested the return of the land and sought noise countermeasures since 1967, and the ward government has also done so since 1991. Although there was a period when the Japanese government also asked the U.S. military to relocate the facility, it is currently not even negotiating with the U.S. military at this stage, stating, "The heliport is a facility that enables the rapid transportation of U.S. VIPs and others and is necessary to achieve the objectives of the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty." Status of Forces Agreement forms background to issue An investigation by the Mainichi Shimbun revealed that U.S. military helicopters using the center, such as the Black Hawk, repeatedly fly over the city center at altitudes that would be illegally low for Japanese helicopters. The background to the Japanese government's tacit acceptance of this is formed by the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement, which grants various privileges to U.S. military aircraft including exemptions from altitude standards under Japan's Civil Aeronautics Act. Seike cites the fact that Japan's Civil Aeronautics Act is not applied to U.S. military aircraft as an additional reason for requesting the center's removal.
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Travel + Leisure
07-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Travel + Leisure
This Tokyo Hotel Has Pokémon-themed Rooms—With Giant Snorlax Plushies and Pikachu Pancakes
Calling all Pokémon fans—get ready to catch 'em all at the Grand Hyatt Tokyo this summer. The luxury, 387-room hotel, located in Tokyo's Roppongi Hills complex, is collaborating with the Nintendo, the parent company of Pokémon, to give its fans the ultimate respite this summer: a few nights surrounded by their favorite pocket monsters. From now through the end of August, guests can make a reservation to experience either the Pokémon Beach Resort Stay or the Pokémon Suite Stay packages. The Suite Stay package is only available in one room and comes with an array of goodies. For a whopping 550,000 yen (about $3,730), guests will get a night's stay in Grand Hyatt Tokyo's 1,291-square-foot Chairman Suite. Decked out in the hotel's signature warm woods and lush fabrics, the king-sized suite features an expansive living room; a deep, limestone soaking tub; and complimentary Balmain bath amenities. As part of the Pokémon collaboration, those staying in the spacious suite will enjoy beach-inspired decor featuring palm trees, Pokémon illustrations, and a variety of Poké-plushies. The latter includes a Pikachu and Piplup plush to take home, and two giant Lapras and Snorlax plushies to enjoy in the room. Additionally, guests can take home one of the hotel's collaboration sets, which has a custom Pokémon-embroidered Garnier-Thiebaut bathrobe and beach towel, a beach bag, a cap, and an oversized T-shirt. Those who opt for the standard Pokémon Beach Resort Stay, available in 10 of the hotel's twin rooms, will still get to experience the beautiful summer-themed decorations, but at around a fifth of the price. Here, guests will receive one plushie—a miniature Lapras—and a smaller goodie bag which features the embroidered beach bag, cap, and oversized T-shirt. The Pokémon experience extends beyond the rooms. The hotel has an exclusive menu for those who take advantage of the package, with special themed dishes modeled after some of the franchise's most beloved characters. Suite guests, for example, can indulge in a tropical gourmet Bulbasaur burger made with pork shoulder and grilled pineapple, a Squirtle ricotta cheese tart, and a Piplup blue soda for one dinner. Both suite and standard stay guests can also look forward to custom Pikachu fruit pancakes for breakfast, alongside offerings from The French Kitchen, the hotel's all-day restaurant. Travelers interested in reserving one of the Pokémon Beach Resort Stays can book directly on the Grand Hyatt Tokyo website. The hotel recommends booking your experience at least three days in advance, as it will be booked on a first-come, first-served basis. Get ready to be Grand Hyatt Tokyo's next Pokémon Master.
Metropolis Japan
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metropolis Japan
Tokyo's Juiciest Burger Battle Returns—Now Across Three Hills
Back for a sizzling summer run through to August 31 in Tokyo, the Hills Gourmet Burger Grand Prix 2025 isn't your average burger fest—it's a culinary turf war. For the first time, Roppongi Hills, Azabudai Hills and Toranomon Hills join forces (and rivalries), each sending out their top chefs to compete for burger glory. This year's theme is bold: 'A burger that only your restaurant could create.' That means 34 one-off, wildly imaginative creations —no repeats, no shortcuts. You'll find burrata oozing over perfectly grilled patties, lamb simmered in red wine and cola, Thai 'laap' reimagined between buns and even a ¥4,800 wagyu-truffle-eggsplosion from La Brianza. From wagyu to wild herbs, Peruvian chiles to wasabi mayo, these aren't just burgers— they're edible flexes. Every order is a vote, and only one burger will take the Grand Prix crown. The winners? They get extended runs—and eternal bragging rights. Bring your appetite and get ready to judge Tokyo's most over-the-top burger inventions.
Metropolis Japan
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Metropolis Japan
ROPPONGI HILLS ICE! ICE! ICE! 2025
Following last year's success, Roppongi Hills presents 'ROPPONGI HILLS ICE! ICE! ICE! 2025' throughout the hottest months of summer. Come and enjoy a variety of unique sweet flavors, each one distinct to its store. The product lineup has been expanded from last year, with 21 unique menu items of chilled sweets available, including 13 exclusive to Roppongi Hills. Matsuya's 'White Peach Yogurt Shaved Ice' is luxuriously filled with white peach compote and yoghurt cream, while L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon offers 'Glace Pire Mango,' a shaved ice that is a world first for Joel Robuchon. A selection of cool, refreshing desserts featuring ice cream is also available, such as Hills Dal Matto's 'Fluffy Gelatozzo.' A handmade brioche topped with plenty of Italian gelato and cream. Delicious, health-conscious plant-based ice cream options are also on the menu. Such as Oscar Wilde's 'Donut Ice Cream,' made entirely from plant-based ingredients. Gelateria Raffinato's 'Three Kinds of Gelato Cone' uses seasonal fruits, creating a colorful summery experience. If you wish to enjoy Roppongi Hill's refreshing sweets elsewhere, don't hesitate to drop by. A wide selection of items is available for take-out, and you can enjoy them outdoors in the Mori Garden at Roppongi Hills. Spoil yourself in the hottest months of summer, and enjoy a wonderful summer moment with unique ice cream flavors, provided by popular stores in Roppongi Hills. Please note that the website opens on June 17.
