The center was designed by architect Sachio Otani to an unusual hexagonal framework, resulting in few vertical walls or columns, and opened in 1966 with an addition in 1973.

It is a rare remaining example of Metabolism in Japan (the newer and more famous Nakagin Capsule Tower Building[1] was demolished in 2022[update]).

[4] It is located north of downtown Kyoto, and may be reached via the Karasuma Line subway.

[5] The complex is the location for the finale of John Frankenheimer's cult 1982 martial arts action film The Challenge, starring Scott Glenn and Toshiro Mifune.

The complex also serves as the backdrop for a meeting between Harry Kilmer (Robert Mitchum) and Goro Tanaka (James Shigeta) in The Yakuza (1975).