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Tokyo's landmark Imperial Hotel to be rebuilt

Mar 27 (NHK) - One of Tokyo's landmark hotels is slated for a 2-billion-dollar redevelopment plan. The operator says the project will make the Imperial Hotel Tokyo more competitive as availability of international 5-star accommodation has been increasing in the Japanese capital.

The hotel opened in 1890 as a guest house for VIPs from abroad. Guests have included Charlie Chaplin and Marilyn Monroe.

Its main building has been in operation for half a century. But the operator says it is showing signs of aging.

The redevelopment will be conducted in conjunction with real-estate company Mitsui Fudosan. The building and adjacent tower will be torn down and replaced.

Work will begin in fiscal 2024. A full reopening is slated for fiscal 2036. The total cost could reach as much as 2.3 billion dollars.

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