A large fire broke out on March 27, 2025, at around 2:00 PM, at the old Akita Shoten building in Iidabashi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, causing significant concern among local residents and workers. The fire, which started on the second floor of the seven-story building that was undergoing demolition, quickly escalated, leading to the dispatch of over 40 fire engines to the scene.
According to reports from the Tokyo Fire Department, the blaze was first reported shortly after 2:00 PM, and firefighters arrived to find the building engulfed in flames. Eyewitnesses described seeing black smoke billowing from the structure, prompting immediate evacuations from surrounding offices. A 40-year-old man working in a nearby building recounted, "I noticed the fire when I saw black smoke coming out around 2:15 PM. The fire was at the demolition site, and it even spread to an adjacent apparel company building."
As the fire raged, approximately 20 workers were present at the demolition site. Reports indicate that sparks from asbestos removal work may have ignited the fire. In total, six people were rescued from the site, including two male workers in their 50s and 60s, who were taken to the hospital with minor injuries. Thankfully, all were conscious and in stable condition.
In the wake of the incident, Akita Shoten, the publisher associated with the building, released a statement expressing their regret for the situation and confirming that the cause of the fire is under investigation. "We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused by the fire at the demolition site of the old Akita Shoten headquarters. We are currently looking into the details of the situation," the company stated.
The fire not only disrupted the area but also sparked a flurry of activity on social media, where terms like "Akita Shoten" and "Iidabashi fire" began trending on X (formerly Twitter). Fans of Akita Shoten's popular manga series "Grappler Baki" noted the irony of the fire occurring shortly after the demolition site had been decorated with illustrations from the series, particularly a scene depicting a legendary battle between father and son. One Twitter user remarked, "I thought the trending topic was just another Baki meme, but then I found out it was about the fire!"
As the fire continued to burn, onlookers expressed their concerns about the safety of nearby buildings. A man working in an adjacent printing company described the scene: "When I saw the flames erupt, I quickly evacuated. The fire was intense, and I could feel the heat from outside. It was unlike anything I had ever seen before." Meanwhile, employees from a nearby apparel company, which typically employs about 100 workers, were evacuated promptly with no injuries reported.
Firefighters worked diligently for approximately two and a half hours to bring the fire under control, with the flames mostly extinguished by around 4:30 PM. The situation remained tense as authorities continued to assess the damage and ensure that no one was left trapped inside the building.
Local officials, including police and fire department representatives, have committed to investigating the cause of the fire further. They are also focused on ensuring that those affected receive proper assistance. The area surrounding the demolition site, which is located about 400 meters southeast of JR Iidabashi Station, is known for its mix of office buildings and shops, making the incident particularly disruptive.
As the investigation unfolds, the community remains on alert, reflecting on the suddenness of the fire and its potential implications for safety regulations in demolition sites. The Akita Shoten fire serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in construction and demolition work, especially when hazardous materials like asbestos are involved.
In the aftermath, many are left wondering about the future of the site and what it means for the legacy of Akita Shoten, a company that has been a staple in the manga publishing industry. The old headquarters, now marred by flames, will likely be remembered not just for its contributions to literature but also for this unfortunate event.
As the dust settles and investigations continue, the local community is left to ponder the lessons learned from this incident, hoping for improved safety measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.
