Nippori

Business Hotel in Nippori

Riding the Yamanote line between Nippori and Uguisudani, a hotel sign often caught my eye because of its interesting name. In fact, over the years, I’ve often wondered how it was chosen. This is my theory. Pure conjecture, of course, but highly likely.

Many years ago, during Japan's growing economic bubble, the leader of a small Japanese company (let’s call him Suzuki), went to visit a larger company in New York. Wanting to impress this Japanese Kaichoh (CEO), someone secured tickets to the tennis matches at Longwood. Suzuki, knowing nothing about tennis, dutifully enjoyed everything. The place was beautiful, but what impressed Suzuki even more was the lovely name - LONGWOOD.

Several years went by and Suzuki’s company prospered. They were doing so well, in fact, that they decided to build an upper-class business hotel near the JR and Keisei railway station at Nippori. Suzuki remembered his visit to America and the name he liked so much. An ideal name for our hotel, he thought, and of course all the Buchohs (managers) and Kachohs (section heads) heartily agreed.

So the plan progressed and at a meeting with the architect, Suzuki was asked about a name for the hotel. Being in his usual hurry, Suzuki scribbled the name in English on a piece of paper. Another year went by and the building grew and eventually took over the Nippori skyline. During this time, many people had heard the name and some had even asked Suzuki about it. He proudly explained how it came about. No one bothered to mention that one letter in the name seemed to be wrong. After all, all the letters were there, and it was very close to being perfect. It would be fine.

Finally, Opening Day.

In true western style, it was decided to have an “unveiling” of the sign on top of the hotel, so it was duly covered and arranged to allow Suzuki to pull a cord and achieve the unveiling. The moment arrived and Suzuki proudly pulled the cord. It worked perfectly. And there, high above Nippori, for the thousands and thousands of commuters rolling past to see; there, in huge letters was their new hotel -

The L U N G W O O D - ugh!

Contributor: Dick Harris
Date: 11-16-03

Posted on 2003年11月17日 13:28