Walking Together in Urban Development Since 2015: The Present State of Makuhari, Completion of 'Makuhari Bay Park Rise Gate Tower'
Jun Mitsui & Associates and Pelli Clarke & Partners Japan have announced the February 2026 completion of 'Makuhari Bay Park Rise Gate Tower,' the fifth tower residence in the Makuhari Bay Park redevelopment. The project incorporates natural elements like sunlight and water into its design, aiming to harmonize with the local environment. With the final block slated for completion in March 2030, the project continues to evolve into a vibrant community.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: March 28, 2026 at 03:09
- 🔍 Collected: March 28, 2026 at 21:59 (18h 50m after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 15, 2026 at 05:42 (415h 42m after Collected)
Jun Mitsui & Associates Inc. Architects and Pelli Clarke & Partners Japan Inc. (Headquarters: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, hereinafter JMA/PC&PJ) are pleased to announce the completion of 'Makuhari Bay Park Rise Gate Tower' in February 2026, the fifth tower residence in the large-scale Makuhari New City redevelopment, 'Makuhari Bay Park,' for which our firm oversaw the design.
Given its proximity to the Hanami River and green belts, this project integrates the delicate scenery created by nature into the architecture. Based on the concept of 'Shimmering,' the exterior reflects the sparkle of water surfaces and the swaying of trees, with changes in the texture and composition of glass and tiles creating a design that shifts appearance depending on the light and viewpoint. Additionally, greenery is incorporated into the lower levels, creating a space continuous with the landscape and forming a living environment that responds to the bustle of the city.
Practice of Urban Design in Makuhari Bay Park
- Design guidelines that build the skeleton of the city
- Spatial composition that expands vitality through continuity between interior and exterior
- Under the design guidelines, diverse designs overlap to form unity
- A design stance that interprets context and develops it into architecture
JMA has been involved in the urban development of Makuhari Bay Park since the formulation of the design guidelines in 2015, drawing the skeleton of the city. In this mixed-use city where commerce, offices, and residences overlap, the planning proceeds based on a common approach and spatial continuity, ensuring that a unified streetscape is formed even with multiple designers involved. Each building exerts its own individuality within that framework, echoing the landscape, and creating an urban space with diverse expressions and permeability.
Since the completion of the first project, 'Makuhari Bay Park Cross Tower & Residence' in 2019, the city's skeleton and philosophy have been developed across the entire block. Now, up to the fifth project has been completed, with only a little left. The final block is scheduled for completion in March 2030, marking the completion of the entire city.
Makuhari Bay Park Nurtured Over Time
[List of previous developments: Cross Tower & Residence (2019), Sky Grand Tower (2021), Mid Square Tower (2024), Park Wellstate Makuhari Bay Park (2024), Rise Gate Tower (2026)]
Comments from those responsible for Makuhari Bay Park Rise Gate Tower
'Shimmering Pinwheel': The windmill-like tower in the B4 block casts a strong presence in Makuhari Bay Park, shimmering colorfully as if reflecting the sea and sky, welcoming the nearby seaside. The building's volume is configured like a windmill, with vertical elements and horizontal balcony belts spreading like wings on each of the four facades. The balconies use semi-transparent aqua-blue glass in a gradation, strengthening the connection with Tokyo Bay. The lower part of the tower, colored with blue-green glazed tiles, further deepens the harmony with the surrounding landscape. (Craig Copeland, Tower Exterior Design)
'Tarp that Creates a Place': As a complement to the landscape design concept of 'Satomachi (Village-City),' I designed the commercial building aiming to be a base of vitality and peace by stretching a 'tarp that creates a place at the node connecting the village and the city.' By the curved surface formed by continuous rafters, it expresses two lightly overlapping tarps, realizing its symbolism and warmth as the only wooden building in the city. (Hideto Sato, Common Building Design)
'Shimmering': We were able to realize a green-rich block where you can enjoy nature along with the surrounding environment. In the architectural design, I think the blue terracotta tiles on the lower levels particularly impressed the tower's individuality by bringing out a dynamic yet delicate and sparkling expression. It was a very fun site where project owners, architects, designers, and contractors were able to proceed as one team. (Erika Abe, Tower Exterior Design)
'Satomachi': We realized a new way to use the green environment within Makuhari Bay Park. It is a landscape space where you can experience play and learning, such as tree decks and biotopes. Also, the approach space with a dynamic water view that resonates with the tower design is something I believe will be a status symbol for residents. I believe this site has realized a better environment together with the project owner, designers, and contractors. (Yuto Endo, Landscape Design)
'Twilight and Tokyo Bay': The 30th-floor View Lounge & Guest is a shared room with a great view, which is the real thrill of a tower residence. In the Bay Park, this is the final tower where you can enjoy the spreading view of Tokyo Bay. I made it a spacious space where you can feel light and shadow in harmony with the beautiful sunset, the shimmering Tokyo Bay, and the light of twilight. (Tadamichi Yamano, 30th-floor View Lounge Design)
'View Lounge that Colors Life': Against the background of the project concept 'Shimmering,' I likened the overlapping of delicate elements woven by nature to a musical concerto and incorporated it into the interior design. I used the trajectory of a conductor's baton as a motif for the design, giving rhythm and breadth to the space with flowing lines. Also, taking advantage of the high floor, we have provided devices that offer extraordinary experiences such as view baths. I hope this will be an essence that colors life in Bay Park. (Kei Suzuki, 30th-floor View Lounge Design)
Comments from those responsible for Makuhari Bay Park Design Guidelines
'Human-centric Urban Development': In 2015, from a state where there was nothing around, we envisioned the future appearance of the city and created design guidelines based on the knowledge of various experts. Sidewalks that were once painful to walk on in the scorching sun now have shade from trees, the lawn park gathers multi-generations, and it has grown into a city with a lot of vitality. I am proud to have been involved, even if only a little, in the Makuhari Bay Park project, which will become even more vibrant with the increase in residents due to the completion of the Rise Gate Tower. (Kazuhisa Otsu, Design Guidelines)
'Continually Evolving Makuhari Bay Park': I have been involved since the design guideline formulation stage and remember well the first time I visited the site. We proceeded with the plan while envisioning what kind of life would be born in this vast and sparsely populated place. Since then, starting with Makuhari Bay Cross Tower & Residence, Makuhari Sky Grand Tower and commercial facilities were completed, and the city changed significantly. Every time I visited, the number of people increased, and the vitality spread. With the completion of Makuhari Rise Tower this time, Makuhari Bay Park has evolved further and is growing into a more attractive and vibrant city. After about 11 years of efforts, I am looking forward to its future evolution. (Hironori Yoshida, Design Guidelines)
Given its proximity to the Hanami River and green belts, this project integrates the delicate scenery created by nature into the architecture. Based on the concept of 'Shimmering,' the exterior reflects the sparkle of water surfaces and the swaying of trees, with changes in the texture and composition of glass and tiles creating a design that shifts appearance depending on the light and viewpoint. Additionally, greenery is incorporated into the lower levels, creating a space continuous with the landscape and forming a living environment that responds to the bustle of the city.
Practice of Urban Design in Makuhari Bay Park
- Design guidelines that build the skeleton of the city
- Spatial composition that expands vitality through continuity between interior and exterior
- Under the design guidelines, diverse designs overlap to form unity
- A design stance that interprets context and develops it into architecture
JMA has been involved in the urban development of Makuhari Bay Park since the formulation of the design guidelines in 2015, drawing the skeleton of the city. In this mixed-use city where commerce, offices, and residences overlap, the planning proceeds based on a common approach and spatial continuity, ensuring that a unified streetscape is formed even with multiple designers involved. Each building exerts its own individuality within that framework, echoing the landscape, and creating an urban space with diverse expressions and permeability.
Since the completion of the first project, 'Makuhari Bay Park Cross Tower & Residence' in 2019, the city's skeleton and philosophy have been developed across the entire block. Now, up to the fifth project has been completed, with only a little left. The final block is scheduled for completion in March 2030, marking the completion of the entire city.
Makuhari Bay Park Nurtured Over Time
[List of previous developments: Cross Tower & Residence (2019), Sky Grand Tower (2021), Mid Square Tower (2024), Park Wellstate Makuhari Bay Park (2024), Rise Gate Tower (2026)]
Comments from those responsible for Makuhari Bay Park Rise Gate Tower
'Shimmering Pinwheel': The windmill-like tower in the B4 block casts a strong presence in Makuhari Bay Park, shimmering colorfully as if reflecting the sea and sky, welcoming the nearby seaside. The building's volume is configured like a windmill, with vertical elements and horizontal balcony belts spreading like wings on each of the four facades. The balconies use semi-transparent aqua-blue glass in a gradation, strengthening the connection with Tokyo Bay. The lower part of the tower, colored with blue-green glazed tiles, further deepens the harmony with the surrounding landscape. (Craig Copeland, Tower Exterior Design)
'Tarp that Creates a Place': As a complement to the landscape design concept of 'Satomachi (Village-City),' I designed the commercial building aiming to be a base of vitality and peace by stretching a 'tarp that creates a place at the node connecting the village and the city.' By the curved surface formed by continuous rafters, it expresses two lightly overlapping tarps, realizing its symbolism and warmth as the only wooden building in the city. (Hideto Sato, Common Building Design)
'Shimmering': We were able to realize a green-rich block where you can enjoy nature along with the surrounding environment. In the architectural design, I think the blue terracotta tiles on the lower levels particularly impressed the tower's individuality by bringing out a dynamic yet delicate and sparkling expression. It was a very fun site where project owners, architects, designers, and contractors were able to proceed as one team. (Erika Abe, Tower Exterior Design)
'Satomachi': We realized a new way to use the green environment within Makuhari Bay Park. It is a landscape space where you can experience play and learning, such as tree decks and biotopes. Also, the approach space with a dynamic water view that resonates with the tower design is something I believe will be a status symbol for residents. I believe this site has realized a better environment together with the project owner, designers, and contractors. (Yuto Endo, Landscape Design)
'Twilight and Tokyo Bay': The 30th-floor View Lounge & Guest is a shared room with a great view, which is the real thrill of a tower residence. In the Bay Park, this is the final tower where you can enjoy the spreading view of Tokyo Bay. I made it a spacious space where you can feel light and shadow in harmony with the beautiful sunset, the shimmering Tokyo Bay, and the light of twilight. (Tadamichi Yamano, 30th-floor View Lounge Design)
'View Lounge that Colors Life': Against the background of the project concept 'Shimmering,' I likened the overlapping of delicate elements woven by nature to a musical concerto and incorporated it into the interior design. I used the trajectory of a conductor's baton as a motif for the design, giving rhythm and breadth to the space with flowing lines. Also, taking advantage of the high floor, we have provided devices that offer extraordinary experiences such as view baths. I hope this will be an essence that colors life in Bay Park. (Kei Suzuki, 30th-floor View Lounge Design)
Comments from those responsible for Makuhari Bay Park Design Guidelines
'Human-centric Urban Development': In 2015, from a state where there was nothing around, we envisioned the future appearance of the city and created design guidelines based on the knowledge of various experts. Sidewalks that were once painful to walk on in the scorching sun now have shade from trees, the lawn park gathers multi-generations, and it has grown into a city with a lot of vitality. I am proud to have been involved, even if only a little, in the Makuhari Bay Park project, which will become even more vibrant with the increase in residents due to the completion of the Rise Gate Tower. (Kazuhisa Otsu, Design Guidelines)
'Continually Evolving Makuhari Bay Park': I have been involved since the design guideline formulation stage and remember well the first time I visited the site. We proceeded with the plan while envisioning what kind of life would be born in this vast and sparsely populated place. Since then, starting with Makuhari Bay Cross Tower & Residence, Makuhari Sky Grand Tower and commercial facilities were completed, and the city changed significantly. Every time I visited, the number of people increased, and the vitality spread. With the completion of Makuhari Rise Tower this time, Makuhari Bay Park has evolved further and is growing into a more attractive and vibrant city. After about 11 years of efforts, I am looking forward to its future evolution. (Hironori Yoshida, Design Guidelines)