Adieu Hotel Okura : Okura Once More

This column has taken it up once and quite extensively, too, but this desk takes the liberty of contributing one more episode to see off the historic hotel the like which may not ever appear - ever.

The hotel owes its name to its founder Baron Kishichiro Okura, son of Kihachiro Okura, the head of the giant Okura zaibatsu (conglomerate). Baron Okura is equally, or perhaps to some, better to known as the founder of the Japan Go Association (Nihon Ki-in) in 1924 - a subject somewhat remote to this episode.

When planning the Hotel Okura, Kishichiro Okura categorically declared the hotel be an international hotel of the highest standards in craftsmanship, rich with the bests in all aspects Japan could offer. Craftsmen, artists, and architects of the topmost level were mobilized to build it. "There will never be the same structure built again", they said.

So much has been told of its structure and craftsmanship. Now, let us devote the rest of space to less conspicuous charms of Hotel Okura that might deserve our sendoff comments.

Hotels provide lodging accommodations and fringe benefits to go with them. Hotel Okura will keep its annex operative throughout the construction period to maintain its traditional assets, namely foods and services.

Chief Chef Akira Zenmyouji says to Nikkei Shimbun New Hotel Okura may be  free to make challenges afresh but "we have our traditional tastes to sustain", he adds. He further remarks:

"Take for instance our consommé. Any soup can be made overnight, but never consommé. Our consommé takes three days to make".
The consommé in Hotel Okura is a gem, a must to hand over New Hotel Okura.

The Japanese restaurant "Yamasato" is reputed for its philosophy to entertain its customers. They will study customers' reactions and without fail reflect such reactions on the same meal served for the second time. Yamasato's menu of over 120 items is a gem itself.

New Hotel Okura will open for service in 2019.