Fukuya Department Store, Hatchobori

Completion year

1938

Address

6-26 Ebisucho, Hiroshima Naka-ku, Hiroshima（Google Map）

This long-established department store stands facing the intersection of Hatchobori in the center of Hiroshima City. Built in 1938 as the Fukuya Shinkan (new building) just before wartime building restrictions began, the steel-framed reinforced concrete high-rise commercial building was nicknamed the Hakua no Dendo (the white palace) for its graceful and elegant appearance, and was well known to the people of the prefecture. Although the entire interior was destroyed by the blast and fires from the atomic bombing, the frame and exterior walls remained, and were restored along with the reconstruction of Hiroshima, restoring the building to its former glory.The tasteful tiled exterior and elegant façade design with rhythmically spaced windows still add dignity to the streetscape of the main street.