I think there is no building in Fukuoka like IMS that embodies the lavishness and playful spirit of the 80s. Sadly, though, this literally sparkling building is going to be demolished in a couple of years’ time. A demise of one of our bubble-age heritages. 

When it opened its door in 1989, we were in the middle of the bubble boom and most of us thought Japanese economy would expand forever, never ever dreamt it would burst soon and 30 years of recession would follow. I also was at the height of my youth, energetic enough not to be overwhelmed by this flamboyant building. 

But now, at a distance from frontline trends, I began to enjoy the beauty and extravagance of this particular architecture〓just like appreciating old temples and castles. Actually, the atrium as high as 10 stories,

curvy escalators,

lighted steps

and other features are still hugely attractive. Or rather its “insta-friendly” appearance should have more value than it used to be when everything was aggressively decorated.

It almost seems a cultural destruction  that these elements will be lost for good in the name of re-development (in other words, for the benefit of a handful developers, construction companies and the legacy-hungry mayor) and that there will be another boring, low-budget building on this site. 

As long as I can remember, buildings same age as IMS include: Hotel Nikko, Fukuoka Tower, Hotel Il Palazzo and Solaria Plaza. Don’t you think they have something in common?

I hope these heritages of the 80s will last while I am alive.