Shingu City Culture Center TANKAKU HALL opened in October 2021 as a new cultural landmark in Shingu City. Situated between the historic Shingu Castle Ruins to the east and the World Heritage-listed Kumano River to the north, this multi-purpose facility combines a cultural hall, public library, research rooms focused on regional studies, and more.
At the heart of the facility is a proscenium-style cultural hall. Designed in a shoebox configuration with three tiers of balcony seating, the hall promotes a strong sense of connection between performers and audience. To accommodate a wide range of events, flexibility was key. This was achieved through a fully flat floor, including the stage area, a lift, and various movable seating systems—most notably the Retractable Seating System.
The first floor features three types of movable seating: retractable seating, wagon seats, and stacking chairs. When arranged from the back to the front—retractable seats, stacking chairs, and wagon seats—the hall accommodates up to 1,142 people (including standing room).
Wagon seats are placed on the lift and set slightly lower than the stacking chairs to create staggered sightlines, ensuring clear visibility even from the back. When the lift is raised and the wagon seats are removed, the area transforms into a stage. Lowering the curtain at the proscenium arch then creates a more compact venue setup.
The Retractable Seating System, designed with a mobile (or travelling) configuration, allows tiered seats to be quickly deployed or retracted. The system can also be repositioned toward the front or rear of the hall to optimize viewing for events of different sizes. In the standard hall layout, with stacking chairs removed and retractable seating moved forward, the hall accommodates 973 people (including standing room).
Positioning the retractable seats at the center of the hall can also divide the space, enabling multiple events to be held simultaneously. In addition, opening the rear sliding wall of the hall seamlessly connects the foyer and auditorium into a single open space—ideal for exhibitions or open-format events.
Thanks to these three seating types, the hall flexibly adapts to a wide range of event needs.
The hall features three types of chairs—retractable, stacking, and fixed seating—all designed with a unified aesthetic to maintain visual harmony. The retractable seats are Type L, stacking chairs are TS-1212, and fixed balcony chairs are TS-8282L.
Elegance and comfort define these seats. Solid wood is generously used for the backrests and armrests, with a light wood tone that complements the wooden columns throughout the hall. The backrest trim features a custom curved design developed specifically for TANKAKU HALL.
The upholstery—a refined black fabric interwoven with gray threads—adds a sophisticated accent to the space. Cushions are slightly smaller than the wood backing, leaving the wood visible from the front for a premium appearance. This design also helps keep the fabric clean by reducing contact during movement. The 3D curved backrest conforms to the body, while thick cushions provide lasting comfort during extended events.
With this combination of high-quality seating and a versatile layout centered on the Retractable Seating System, the hall offers an exceptional environment for a wide variety of performances and gatherings.
The four-story Shingu City Culture Center TANKAKU HALL houses the cultural hall across the first through third floors, the Kumano Studies Zone on the second floor where visitors can explore the nature and history of Kumano, and a public library on the fourth floor. From the library's deck, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of iconic sites including the World Heritage-listed Kumano Hayatama Taisha, Mt. Gongen and Kamikura Shrine, the Shingu Castle Ruins, and the Kumano River. Beyond the cultural hall, other areas of the building—including the grand staircase and corridor-style exhibition spaces—can also host events. These spaces may be combined with the main hall to accommodate large-scale gatherings. The facility embodies the principle of people-centered urban development, encouraging community involvement in cultural and civic life. As a result, TANKAKU HALL has quickly become a beloved cultural centerpiece for the people of Shingu.
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