Takenaka is an international construction and engineering firm with a rich history. Considered to be one of the oldest of its kind in the world, Takenaka has been at the forefront of its trade for centuries. In 1610, the company was founded by Tobei Masataka Takenaka, who was charged with construction by the Oda family of Nobunaga Oda fame.
The company initially gained notoriety for its construction of temples and shrines. Gradually, they diversified their projects in both scale and materials. Shortly before they relocated headquarters to Osaka in 1923, the company built the first reinforced concrete building in Japan for famous department store chain Takashimaya.
Takenaka would go on to be awarded the contract for the construction of Tokyo Tower, once the tallest tower in the world. Modelled after the Eiffel Tower of Paris, Takenaka’s Tokyo Tower is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
The company has continued its excellence in engineering and constructing landmarks. For example, Takenaka is responsible for the majority of Japan’s dome stadiums. Now, as one of Japan’s preeminent construction firms, they are looking to diversify their product once again.
The current generation’s head, Toichi Takenaka, wants the company to continue creating sustainable buildings that help to solve the problems of society. To that end, they are at the country’s cutting edge of zero carbon emission buildings.
