The “Kotoni War” landmark “5588KOTONI” in Sapporo’s Nishi Ward to be demolished, closing its half-century history.
The commercial facility “5588KOTONI” in front of JR Kotoni Station, which will close at the end of June.
The commercial facility “5588KOTONI” (Gogohachihachi-Kotoni, Sapporo City Nishi Ward Kotoni 2-1) will close on June 30th. It has been one of the landmarks around Kotoni Station. A general supermarket “Ito-Yokado” and others were once tenants but due to aging and other factors, it is closing after half a century.
According to the operating company, the building is scheduled for demolition. The future plans for the site have not been decided yet. The building is a six-story reinforced concrete structure with a total floor area of 15,640 square meters.
A notice of closure posted outside the store.
The building has been known as “Ito-Yokado Kotoni Store”, “Espa Specialty Store Building”, “Ito-Yokado Specialty Store Building”, and “5588KOTONI”, changing its name and tenants over the years.
About: 5588KOTONI
“5588KOTONI” is a contemporary cultural complex located in Sapporo, Japan, specifically in the Kotoni neighborhood. This multipurpose facility was created by renovating a former junior high school, blending modern aesthetics with historical elements. It serves as a vibrant community hub offering spaces for art exhibitions, performances, workshops, and various cultural events, aimed at fostering creativity and community engagement in the region.
About: Ito-Yokado
Ito-Yokado is a major Japanese retail company that operates a chain of supermarkets and department stores primarily in Japan. Founded in 1920 by Masatoshi Ito, it grew from a small shop in Tokyo to become one of Japan’s leading general merchandise store chains. Ito-Yokado is a part of the Seven & I Holdings Co., which was established in 2005 and also owns other well-known retail formats including 7-Eleven.
About: Espa Specialty Store Building
The Espa Specialty Store Building, located in Helsinki, Finland, is a renowned example of modern architecture in the city center. Originally built in 1989, it is situated on the bustling Esplanadi Boulevard and was designed by architects Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen, who are also known for designing the iconic Temppeliaukio Church in Helsinki. The building serves as a commercial space with a focus on high-end specialty stores and is celebrated for its distinctive architectural style and contribution to the urban landscape of Helsinki.
About: Ito-Yokado Specialty Store Building
The Ito-Yokado Specialty Store Building, located in Japan, is a prominent retail establishment operated by the Ito-Yokado retail chain, which is part of the Seven & I Holdings Co. This chain was founded in 1920 and has grown to be one of Japan’s leading comprehensive supermarkets, offering a wide variety of goods including groceries, clothing, and household items. The specialty store building embodies the company’s commitment to providing a diverse shopping experience, catering to the daily needs of local communities with a focus on quality and convenience.
