A large fire broke out on March 27, 2025, at the demolition site of the former Akita Shoten headquarters building in Iidabashi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo. The blaze was reported at around 2 PM, with flames quickly spreading from the second floor upwards of the seven-story building, which had been undergoing demolition since January of this year. Firefighters responded swiftly, deploying 39 fire engines to tackle the raging inferno.
According to the Tokyo Fire Department, one person has sustained injuries, although there are no reports of anyone being trapped inside the building. The fire, which sent plumes of black smoke into the air, was visible from a considerable distance, prompting multiple emergency calls to the authorities.
The scene is located approximately 400 meters southeast of Iidabashi Station, nestled in an area bustling with offices and shops, not far from the iconic Tokyo Dome. Eyewitnesses described the chaotic moments as the fire erupted. A restaurant worker, situated about 30 meters from the scene, recounted, “Around 2 PM, I heard sirens and noticed an influx of people outside. When I stepped out, I saw flames and black smoke billowing from the rooftop of the building undergoing demolition.”
Another witness, a man working in a nearby building, described the suddenness of the event, stating, “The fire shot up suddenly, and it was intense. I evacuated because the heat was overwhelming. I’ve never seen flames like that before; it was frightening.”
As firefighters battled the flames, many nearby businesses took precautionary measures. A worker from a printing company located 30 meters from the fire reported seeing black smoke around 2:15 PM, prompting his company to evacuate employees. He noted, “I looked out the window and saw the smoke. The fire was coming from the building under demolition, and it appeared to be spreading to a neighboring apparel company.”
The Tokyo Fire Department has confirmed that the situation is being closely monitored, with firefighters ensuring that no additional injuries occur and that everyone has evacuated from the vicinity safely. The area has been cordoned off, but reports indicate that the atmosphere remained relatively calm despite the chaos.
The former Akita Shoten headquarters, completed in 1973, has a rich history, having been the birthplace of numerous beloved manga titles over the decades. The site was adorned with a graphic depicting a famous scene from the popular manga series "Baki," which had drawn attention as part of the demolition fencing.
As of now, the cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police and fire officials, who are working to determine the circumstances that led to the blaze. The incident has raised concerns regarding safety protocols at construction sites, especially those involving demolition work.
Firefighters have been engaged in extinguishing the fire, which continued to burn into the afternoon. The Tokyo Fire Department has reported that many individuals nearby were affected by the smoke, with several experiencing coughing fits due to the heavy smoke blanketing the area.
Local residents and business owners are on high alert as the fire continues to smolder. One nearby business owner expressed concern about the potential for the fire to spread further, stating, “We’re worried about our safety and the safety of our customers. It’s a terrifying situation.”
The local community is rallying together, with many offering support to those affected by the fire. As the firefighting efforts continue, residents are hopeful that the situation will be brought under control soon.
In the wake of this incident, discussions about fire safety regulations and emergency preparedness in urban environments are likely to intensify. Experts emphasize the importance of stringent safety measures, especially in densely populated areas like Chiyoda-ku, where the risk of fire spreading can be significant.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities will likely examine the demolition process and the safety protocols in place at the site. The fire at the Akita Shoten building serves as a stark reminder of the potential hazards associated with construction and demolition work, particularly in urban settings.
For now, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of the public and extinguishing the fire completely. The Tokyo Fire Department continues to work diligently to manage the situation, and updates will follow as more information becomes available.
