Key Facts
• On August 1, Toshiba moved its headquarters from Shibaura, Tokyo to Kawasaki, Kanagawa.
• Shibaura, the origin of Toshiba’s name, has been its base for 140 years.
• The current Shibaura headquarters building is 165 meters tall with 40 floors.
• The building will be demolished this fiscal year for redevelopment.
• Toshiba was founded in 1875 by Hisashige Tanaka in Ginza, Tokyo.
• The company established its Shibaura base in 1882, initially building factories.
• The 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake led to the decentralization of its factories.
• The Shibaura headquarters was built in 1984, consolidating operations and renaming the company from “Tokyo Shibaura Electric” to “Toshiba.”
• The new headquarters is located near JR Kawasaki Station, with employee relocation completed by August.
• The Shibaura site, once a symbol of Toshiba’s growth and challenges, will undergo significant transformation.
Summary
Toshiba has officially relocated its headquarters from Shibaura, Tokyo, to Kawasaki, Kanagawa, marking the end of a 140-year chapter in its history. Shibaura, a site deeply tied to the company’s identity and growth, will see its iconic 165-meter, 40-story building demolished this fiscal year for redevelopment. Founded in 1875 by Hisashige Tanaka, Toshiba established its Shibaura base in 1882, which became a hub for innovation and resilience, including surviving the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake. The Shibaura headquarters, completed in 1984, symbolized a new era for the company, consolidating operations and adopting the name “Toshiba.” The move to Kawasaki reflects a new phase for the company, while the Shibaura site transitions into a new chapter of redevelopment.
