The newly rebuilt Marunouchi Building symbolizes the huge transformation that is taking place in the hub of corporate business activity in the capital.

The 180-meter, 37-story office building opened this month boasting 140 shops and restaurants. Its eight-story predecessor, which was the country's first modern office building in 1923, fronted Tokyo Station until its demolition in 1997.

The old building was popularly known as the "Maru Biru" and served as the face of the Marunouchi district, where a number of major Japanese corporations maintain their headquarters.