The main hall of Kitakyushu’s West Japan General Exhibition Center stopped accepting new bookings on November 4 because of deterioration. Designed by architect Arata Isozaki, the building near Kokura Station opened in 1977. An inspection found deterioration in its suspended roof and electrical and mechanical equipment, along with leaks in several places. The operator is arranging alternatives for bookings from December onward and discussing cancellation of this winter’s ice-skating use. Major repairs are expected to cost several billion yen or more, and the operator is considering the building’s future. Source: NHK News / FBS News
Photo: Kitakyushu Convention & Visitors Association
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