HACHIOJI, Tokyo -- The buildings at Inter-University Seminar House in the suburban Tokyo city of Hachioji, surrounded by the greenery of Tama Hills, are major works of Takamasa Yoshizaka (1917-1980), who studied under internationally renowned architect Le Corbusier, and of the construction design firm that he founded, Atelier U.

       Rhythmically arranged lights are seen at the multipurpose hall on the fourth floor of the Inter-University Seminar House's main building in the city of Hachioji, Tokyo, on Aug. 29, 2021. (Mainichi/Akihiro Ogomori)=Click/tap photo for more images.

       In 1965, Yoshizaka's firm opened the accommodation and training facility for university students to socialize across the boundaries of their institutions -- whether they're national, public or private. The four-story main building with one basement floor takes visitors by surprise with its unusual inverted pyramid shape. The structure is a symbol for "driving a wedge of knowledge into the earth."

       Yuko Saito, a 67-year-old architect who was taught by Yoshizaka at Atelier U, recalled, "We talked while looking at a model until we were completely satisfied, and created the design of the building. At one point, one of the staff members placed the pyramid-shaped model upside down, and the main building's framework was decided."

       Other than the structure's appearance, there are other unique aspects, such as an "eye" at the upper part of the building's north side, and the lights at the multipurpose hall on the fourth floor are rhythmically arranged to make them look playful.

       Seminar rooms, accommodation facilities and other buildings are scattered at the site, which measures about 7 hectares. The area was completed 20 years after its opening. As time goes by, the buildings have become even more profound.

       (Japanese original by Akihiro Ogomori, Photo and Video Center)

       An "eye" welcomes visitors to the main building's north side at Inter-University Seminar House in the city of Hachioji, Tokyo, on Aug. 29, 2021. (Mainichi/Akihiro Ogomori)=Click/tap photo for more images.

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       The Japanese version of this article was originally published on Sep. 19, 2021.

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       This series explores Japan's architectural wonders and secrets of yesteryear. Read more Retro Japan articles here.

       Retro Japan in Photos: Inter-University Seminar House in Tokyo boasts funky facade

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