The year 2022 marks the 90th anniversary of the completion of the clock tower atop the Wako building at the main Ginza 4-chome intersection.
In this landmark building, we are proud to unveil a new space dedicated to the global growth of the Seiko brand.
The new facility will also serve as a symbol of our contribution to creating a more sustainable society.
This is the Seiko House Ginza.
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Dec. 16, 2021
Seiko House Ginza Website goes online
Seiko’s predecessor, the K. Hattori Clock Store, opened its doors on a corner lot in Ginza 4-chome in 1894. At that time, the founder, Kintaro Hattori, insisted on installing a clock tower on the roof of the building as a service to the people of Ginza.
Later, as a symbol of Tokyo’s reconstruction after the Great Kanto Earthquake, a new building was completed on this site in 1932, and it, too, featured a clock tower. For almost a century it has stood through disasters both natural and man-made, and has become a familiar landmark in Ginza. Today, the Wako building, with its iconic clock tower, is perhaps the most easily recognizable symbol of this world-famous shopping district.
In 2022, to mark the 90th anniversary of this edifice, Seiko will launch a new project, building on the legacy of this historic location, the very origin of the company, to provide a platform dedicated to Japanese technology and craftsmanship. Here, at Seiko House Ginza, we will focus not on the past, but on the future, looking at how cutting-edge technology and the eternal spirit of Japanese craftsmanship will create a more exciting and more sustainable world in the years to come.
In order to achieve this goal, we will redevelop the main Wako building in Ginza, which is owned by our company, rename it Seiko House Ginza, and turn its upper floors into a base for promoting the legacy, appeal, and future possibilities of the Seiko brand.
In addition to better utilizing this historical site where one can sense the flow of Time, we will the top three floors with the latest equipment to take greater advantage of the facilities and space in this unique building.
We are acutely aware of the historical value inherent in this building, and we want to preserve and honor that legacy.
Thus, the famous specialty store Wako will continue to occupy the B1 to 4F areas, just as they do now. However, the space from the fifth floor up to the rooftop,
which had been used only on a limited basis until now, will become a center to promote the Seiko brand.
The rooftop will be renovated, and we will build a new digital studio to help communicate Seiko’s messages ― about quality, value, and our SDG activities.
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Rooftop:Sky Garden
The rooftop Sky Garden will have a wooden deck made of earth-friendly materials and decorated with attractive plantings. It will be a place where visitors can relax and feel the spirit of Ginza, right here in the heart of the district.
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7th Floor:Workshop
This floor will be turned into a workshop where visitors can experience the high level of craftsmanship that distinguishes products from the Seiko Holdings Group. There will also be a space to display the latest Seiko products.
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6th Floor:Seiko House Ginza Hall
We will rename the current Wako Hall and remodel it so that it can be used for exhibitions related to the Group’s business and for co-creation projects with artists. The main purpose of the Hall will be to communicate about the Seiko brand to a global audience.
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5th Floor:Guest Lounge
The president’s office and conference rooms will remain on the 5th floor. This area will be equipped with facilities for digital broadcasts, Webinars, and other events, to both domestic and international audiences, and will also be a space for special receptions and presentations.
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4F - B1:Wako
From the basement to the 4th floor will continue to operate as the renowned Wako specialty store.
Wako Web site
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1881
Founding of the Company
Kintaro Hattori establishes the K. Hattori Clock Store (now Seiko Holdings Corporation).
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1894
Completion of the first clock tower
The store on the corner of Ginza 4-chome with its prominent clock tower becomes a well-known Ginza landmark.
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1923
Great Kanto Earthquake
The factory and a temporary store that was used during the rebuilding of the first clock tower were both destroyed.
The company replaced over 1,000 watches that had been entrusted to it for repair but were destroyed in the disaster, supplying customers with brand new watches free of charge. This “customers first” policy was instrumental in building strong public trust in the company. -
1932
Completion of the second clock tower
The new building became a powerful symbol of reconstruction after the Great Kanto Earthquake. Through a series of seismic reinforcements, renovations, and repairs, the clock tower has remained almost unchanged from its original appearance, and is still a familiar sight for residents, workers, and visitors to the Ginza area.
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1952
Wako display window
Wako’s window displays change with the seasons, and have become a popular spot for passersby to stop and take a look. Even today, the spot is so well known that “Meet me in front of Wako” is a common phrase for Tokyoites.
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2011
Great East Japan Earthquake
Cards with messages of encouragement to survivors of the earthquake are displayed in Wako’s windows every year around the time of the disaster. Seiko’s annual Sound of “Wa” Concert to Support Eastern Japan is held at this time as well. And every year March 11, precisely at 2:46 p.m. (the exact time the earthquake struck), the Bell of Requiem and Hope is rung for one minute.
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2020
Wako Main Building Renewal
The refurbished First floor contains Wako Watch Square, displaying 14 famous global brands, while the Second floor features the Grand Seiko Boutique Flagship Wako.
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2021
Seiko House Ginza
As the place where Seiko’s business was born, the Seiko House Ginza will serve as a base for the Seiko Holdings Group to present a variety of interesting information, including presentations on Seiko products and services, Japanese craftsmanship, the development of professional artisans, Japanese hospitality, and our efforts to help create a sustainable society.
We will promote the following initiatives as a symbol of Seiko Holdings Group’s efforts to help build a sustainable society.
- Ringing the Clock Tower chimes every March 11 to remember the earthquake and tsunami that struck Eastern Japan, and support the reconstruction of the affected area
- Lighting up blue lights to honor healthcare workers for their contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Use of renewable energy in the main building
- Using the Wako store window and the Seiko House Ginza Hall to promote Japanese art, culture, and outstanding craftsmanship
- Holding events focused on things such as hand-craftsmanship to teach children, the leaders of the next generation (carried out in cooperation with The Seiko Museum Ginza)
- Continued efforts to provide high-quality, long-lasting products
Related Links
CSR Initiatives
A Company that is Trusted by Society
Based on our fundamental corporate philosophy, our Group’s CSR focuses on contributing to the development of a sustainable society and pursuing the continuous enhancement of our corporate value.