The new building of the Kurashiki City Office, which was being rebuilt due to aging, was completed, and a public viewing event was held over two days on March 15 (Saturday) and 16 (Sunday), 2025.
I am a resident of Kurashiki City, but since visitors from outside Soja City are also welcome, I participated on March 16 (Sunday).
I will report on the substantial content of the tour, which included areas that will be difficult to enter after the office opens, such as the city council chamber and the mayor's office, allowing us to see every corner of the building.
About the New Soja City Office
The new Soja City Office was built on the south side of the same site due to the aging of the current office (completed in 1969).
The building, which features an observation room inspired by the five-story pagoda of Bichu Kokubun-ji Temple, a symbol of Soja City standing on Kibiji, is an 8-story building (the top 8th floor is the observation room) with a calm design based on black.
Before the tour, visitors register at the entrance, where they receive a brochure for the new building and a questionnaire. Since there was no specific route designated, I decided to start from the first floor and go up the stairs while viewing each floor.
Now, let's go inside.
Inside the New Office
Administrative departments are located from the 1st to the 6th floors of the building.
To the right after entering the entrance on the first floor, there are counters for citizen services (various procedures, etc.). Since desks and office furniture were still being moved in, it appeared quite spacious.
This one-stop section handles the issuance of various certificates such as resident registration and seal registration, which are frequently used. Its location right at the entrance also makes it highly convenient and user-friendly.
Additionally, the interior features a large atrium structure. It creates a bright and open atmosphere while also enhancing ventilation efficiency by allowing air to flow from the bottom to the top.
Chuppi Hall
To the left after entering the entrance, there is a multi-purpose hall named Chuppi Hall.
The hall, which is glass-enclosed and has an open feel, is equipped with movable seating, and on the day of the tour, a short movie summarizing the construction process was being shown.
With a grand piano also available, it is likely to be used for various ceremonies after the office opens.
Soja City Council
The Soja City Council chamber is located on the 3rd floor of the building (above Chuppi Hall) and was open for viewing during this tour as well.
First, I will observe from the spectator seats. As I opened the large automatic door, the city council chamber spread out before me.
The spectator seats are, of course, barrier-free, and there are also tables with seats and a separate room for those with children, making it feel like it can meet the needs of many citizens.
In front of the spectator seats, there is also a rooftop garden, which can be freely accessed.
On the east side, you can get a panoramic view of the large sculpture "Kamigatsu" by the world-renowned sculptor Nagare Masayuki.
Next, I will tour the council chamber. Since it is a place that will be difficult to enter after the office opens, many visitors were taking commemorative photos in various spots, including the speaker's seat.
The wood used in the council chamber is hinoki from Soja City.
Mayor's Office
On the 4th floor is the highlight of this tour, the Mayor's Office.
Since it is also a place that will be difficult to enter after the office opens, many people were visiting to see it.
The mayor's office is bright with windows opening to the south. Since furniture has not yet been moved in, it gives a spacious impression.
Like the city council, the mayor's office also uses hinoki from Soja City.
The reception room next to the mayor's office is set to have furniture brought in soon.
Conference Room (Disaster Response Headquarters)
Soja City, which was also affected by the heavy rain in July 2018, is expected to have enhanced disaster prevention functions in the new city hall.
This conference room is designed so that a disaster response headquarters can be established in case of emergency, with monitors lined up on the walls.
While I hope for swift responses in case of emergencies, I also sincerely wish that such situations do not occur.
Observation Lobby
At the top of the building (8th floor), there is an observation lobby inspired by the five-story pagoda of Bichu Kokubun-ji Temple, which also serves as an accent for the building.
Of course, it was open during this tour, so I took the elevator up to see it.
With glass on all sides, you can see from Soja City to the Kibiji area.
Conclusion
I thought it was a rare opportunity to tour the new city hall, and although it is larger than the previous city hall, the necessary functions are compactly organized, giving me the impression that it is very user-friendly.
Additionally, there are many uniquely named departments, and I felt a spirit of actively challenging new things along with the new city hall.
The new city hall will open on April 21, 2025 (Monday).
As a new symbol of Soja City, I hope for its continued development.
Data on the Soja City Office New City Hall Tour
| Name | Soja City Office New City Hall Tour |
|---|---|
| Date | March 15 (Saturday) and 16 (Sunday), 2025 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM |
| Location | 1-1 Chuo, Soja City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | Free |
