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New condo tower to be demolished for blocking Mount Fuji views

Mount Fuji behind Tokyo’s cityscape (Torsakarin/Dreamstime)
A Japanese home-builder has decided to knock down a nearly complete 10-storey condominium block in west Tokyo prefecture after locals complained that it blocks the view of Mount Fuji.

The company, Sekisui House, violated no regulations with its 18-unit tower in Kunitachi City.

Authorities approved the building in January 2023, and it was scheduled for completion next month.

But after receiving complaints, the company nevertheless decided to “prioritise preserving the landscape”, the Asahi Shimbun newspaper reports.

The company said the backlash had “renewed our awareness” of the impact the building would have on views of Mount Fuji.

Japanese public broadcaster NHK reports that it would refund buyers and offer compensation.

No timeframe has been announced for the demolition.

In May, a mesh screen was installed to deter tourists from taking pictures of the Lawson chain shop which is located in front of Mount Fuji in the town of Fujikawaguchiko.

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