Not surprisingly, the likes of Sony and Toyota have been badly hit by the current economic crisis, but another of Japan’s big names, Sanyo, has been floundering for a good few years now — a situation that may help explain the former retreat featured below, and why it’s arguably as ragged as the company’s reputation.
A sanctuary where the history of Sanyo may once have been solemnly studied.
But now it’s merely a building where the corridors are uncommonly quiet,
and not a single soul is bothered about their weight anymore, let alone wheedling their way in with the boss.
Likewise, the biggest open space in the building is decidedly lonely rather than lively.
And as for dining, a pot of tea is still possible, if not exactly advisable,
but anything dish-based is most definitely off the menu.
Plus, rather bizarrely, the complex also comes complete with an underground memorial of some kind.
Maybe even one in memory of bad management, considering it was only put in place in 1990.
Making the symbols, even come across in candlelight, seem somewhat silly rather than sinister.
In part 2, which you can see here I take a look at where the Sanyo staff once slept, along with a late visitor unlikely to leave.
Plus, should the urge take you, this and a whole host of other haikyo/abandoned buildings can be seen here
Bellis says
You have an eye for the really important details – I like your pics!
Lee says
Cheers Bellis!
Adrian says
Wow!
I wasn’t expecting any of Sanyo’s building to become Haikyko.
Great find.
Btw did you check out that spot in Chiba I mentioned?
Lee says
No, not yet Adrian. I’ve been doing the ones nearer home first.
I’m pretty sure this place was Sanyo owned anyway. The reading material and the symbols in the bunker and on the door certainly seem to suggest it was.
Gavin says
Not sure that’s Sanyo… here’s another vault:
http://www.michaeljohngrist.com/2009/04/underground-vault-haikyo-yamanashi/
Same door and internal markings. (Not the same place I assume!)
This smells more like one of the “new religions” …
Lee says
It’s the same place Gavin!
I initially thought it was religion-based in some way too, but the logo on the Sanyo magazine in the first picture is the same as the one in the vault. Also, the description on top mentioned something about a memorial.
Disappointing I know, but it doesn’t seem too sinister I’m afraid, although I’m more than willing to be persuaded otherwise!
Gavin says
Ahh, it’s not the Sanyo Electronics, it’s Sanyo securities (三洋証券) – http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/三洋証券
Suspect that building big employee retreats in the bubble was not good for them – they went bankrupt in 1999…
Lee says
Ahh, I never even thought of it being another Sanyo. Very interesting. The dates all piece together as well.
Thanks so much for the info Gavin. Mystery solved I’d say!
MJG says
Great eye to catch that logo on the magazine Lee, very impressive. Now just to hunt down the other 4…
Lee says
I wish I could take the credit Mike, but actually it was my haikyo buddy who spotted it. It did take away a lot of the mystery of the place unfortunately, but at the same time it was interesting to then sit there and try and piece things together.
Adrian says
The logos remind me of Lost and Dharma or some sort of cult thing.
Lee give me mail when you decide to hit Chiba i can pass you some info.
Lee says
That’s what was running through my mind Adrian until my mate spotted the Sanyo connection. Or at least that’s what I was hoping for.
Thanks for offer of help. Come next month I’ll have lots of time, so I’ll be in touch then. If you are free maybe we could visit a few together.
The Envoy says
It certainly looks like something out of Ju-on. Sanyo was pretty much a household name during the 90s and the early 00s, but I don’t hear much about them now…
Ken Caldicott says
I can’t understand why there are so many abandoned sites when people are crying out for building space.