Property tycoon Minoru Mori dies at 77

concrete garden

RIP Mori san. I always admire the work you did in Roppongi and Akasaka areas. You will for sure be missed.

I find Roppongi Hills to be a welcoming oasis when I'm in Tokyo. Thank you Mr. Mori.

Sad loss to business world. He was one of those few people who could transform his visions to reality.

Too bad. A very intelligent man. Unlike many wealthy Japanese business leaders, Mori had a keen interest in helping the city, not just himself, prosper, while at the same time making it beautiful and distinctive.

In some articles, he is known as Mr. Cement.

RIP

I hear Mr. Mori rarely bought new shoes, preferring to resole his old shoes again and again.

became president in 1993, when Japan’s land prices were surging amid its “bubble” economy.

Japan's real estate prices peaked in 1991. The bubble was finished by 1993.

I once saw a TV program in which former residents of Mori projects said they, the big projects, wiped out a way of life. Whole sections of Tokyo were eliminated, thus ending many age-old traditions in those areas. In the place of once proud communities rose buildings bearing the name of Mori. Some of those interviewed said they were paid big money to move, but now regret losing their "true identities."

Anyway, the Mori name lives on all over downtown Tokyo ...

"Some of those interviewed said they were paid big money to move, but now regret losing their "true identities."

True enough. But I know some former Roppongi Hills landowners were given condos in the development that far exceeded the value of their property. And those condos are now worth a fortune and could be a financial legacy for the families.

It is humorous to note that "he transformed" etc.,....with the vision of brilliant architects and thousands of workmen. How much would be done if those billionaires had to do things themselves?

"Many buildings around the city bear his family name."

That's an understatement. If you visit Tokyo it looks like he built just about every skyscraper or development. I can't criticize him though, because he was willing to take risks and almost all of his real estate ventures have been successful.

RIP

@paulinusa Don't forget about the estate tax...which means they will have to sell it.

Sad, 77 is too young. Anyone who has been to Japan should be familiar with Mori-san.

I also had no idea that there were two Mori sons, the other brother is wealthier.

God bless his soul and my condolences to his family, friends and his brilliant nation Japan!

really no comment