Located on the 42nd and 43rd floors of Roppongi Hills Residence B, the Sky Lounge is a large, modern room that can accommodate up to 50 people and is available for use exclusively by Roppongi Hills residents and their guests.

The split-level floor plan and walls of windows create an open, inviting feeling, while at the same time offering some of the best views Tokyo has to offer. The lounge is also equipped with the best in modern electronics, including a full sound system and remote-controlled window shades. There is also a state-of-the-art kitchen and bar, so residents can cook or cater for their guests.

Attached to the Sky Lounge is an open-air balcony (for guests who want to get a bit of air or enjoy an unobstructed view of the city and night sky) and a private guest room. The guest room can be rented out by residents so that their guests don't need to worry about making their way back home after the festivities. With two queen beds, a sitting area, and a spacious bathroom, the guest room can comfortably accommodate up tp two guests and costs only ¥42,000 per night, a bargain compared to prices at some of the area's hotels.

In addition to private parties, the Sky Lounge is also used as a venue for MORI LIVING monthly events, available to a limited number of residents who register to participate. These events are understandingly very popular among residents, who enjoy socializing with one another while participating in activities such as sushi-making or listening to talks and workshops by prominent guests from a variety of fields.

Kelly

She studied tourism, and upon graduation she was looking for a job at a hotel. In her free time she enjoys watching movies and DVDs, eating out, reading books, and learning to cook. A few years ago, she became a member of MORI LIVING team, about which she is very happy now. "I really feel that I was very lucky. Working in a residence gives you a chance to be a part of people's lives, which you can never experience at a hotel," she says.

Mori has been working at the front desk of Motoazabu Hills for seven years, longer than any other staff member here. She loves the residence because of its international feel (half of the residents are non-Japanese), its fantastic location near Roppongi and Azabu Juban that is nonetheless very quiet, and the many children who live here.

"All of our staff love children," she says. "And I love watching them grow up. When I see a small child begin to be able to talk and to write his name, it really makes me think about how great Motoazabu Hills is. It's almost like we're family."

Mori also enjoys getting to know the parents and other adult residents of the building. "Among the staff here are people of many different characters, so we are able to relate to and communicate with residents of all different characters," she says. This makes her job very easy to do and Motoazabu Hills a great place to work.

"These days residents tend to live here for a shorter time--around two to three years--but even in that time they tell us that they really appreciate how we've helped them and the service we've provided. This really makes us feel good about our work and motivates us even more."

Kelly

At a press conference and preview on February 18th, representatives from Adidas introduced the concept and services behind Runbase. The store itself sells running-themed clothing and footwear, including Adidas' customizable 'mi Performance' line of made to order shoes.

Just beyond the shop floor are men's and women's locker and shower rooms, which can be used by members and nonmembers for ¥600 to ¥700 per visit. Adidas running shoes (¥300) and clothing sets (¥500) can also be rented out, eliminating the need for visitors to make any kind of preparations of their own. Finally, running specialists also organize and conduct workshops, clinics and events on a variety of topics from self-massage to finding one's ideal running style.

Jonathan Hewitt, chief operating officer at Adidas Japan, said at the conference that the company is "proud to offer a running service tailored to individual needs." With the grounds of the Imperial Palace just 300 meters away, Runbase is ideally located to assist thousands of runners with their workouts. And because of the store's reasonable prices and knowledgeable staff, I can't wait to try it out myself!

Kelly

Inside Hirakawacho Mori Tower Residence, manager Ippei Fujieda showed us another unique aspect of this residence--a stone sauna, complete with a view of Mt. Fuji on a clear day. Residents can book this relaxation room for two hours for up to four people.

There is a shower room, changing area, vanity, lockers, and a waiting/relaxation space in addition to the stone sauna itself. Inside the sauna, a large stone slab is heated from beneath, and visitors lie on a towel on top of the stone.

According to Fujieda, this is quite possibly the only stone sauna that is this high up in Tokyo. "Most other ones are completely enclosed, without even windows, let alone a view," he says. The soothing heat and peaceful view of Mt. Fuji across the city is sure to put even the most agitated mind at ease!

Other facilities on the rooftop of Hirakawacho Mori Tower Residence include a fitness room with seven machines (each complete with its own individual television monitor and cable TV channels) and a spacious Sky Lounge.

Created by famed designer Ryu Kosaka, the entire building is outfitted in a minimalist modern zen style, incorporating calming, natural shades of beige, brown and grey. The Sky Lounge can be booked out for private parties of up to about 50 people, and includes top of the line kitchen appliances, including a teppanyaki grill. With facilities like these, entertaining guests has never been easier...or more stylish.

Kelly

The 24-story tower is surrounded by government buildings, including the National Diet building, the Supreme Court, the National Library, and the Imperial Palace. All of these buildings, plus the Tokyo Sky Tree (due to be completed in 2012), are visible from the Sky Lounge and rooftop terrace on the top floor of Hirakawacho Mori Tower.

"There is a rule in Tokyo that says you can't build tall buildings near the palace, because you're not allowed to have a view of the palace," says residence manager Ippei Fujieda. "This building fall just barely within the guidelines."

But a great view isn't the only thing this building has to offer. There are also several health benefits that are unique amongst residential properties in the city. On one end of the rooftop terrace is a traditional Japanese ashiyu, or footbath. It had snowed in Tokyo the day before we tried the footbath, and the warm temperature of the water was perfect for fighting off the chill in the air.

Sitting on a high rooftop with a wonderful view of the city while enjoying a traditional Japanese onsen-style experience was truly surreal! Mr. Fujieda explained that the water temperature can be adjusted depending on the air temperature and time of year, so it will always offer comfort and relief. Also, the entire balcony area around the footbath can also be reserved by residents for private parties or barbecues--an impressive way to show off your new digs!

Kelly

But until recently, residents didn't necessarily feel a sense of "home" upon entering the residence itself. The lobby was decorated in a very minimalist modern style. The staff of the residence realizes the shortcomings of the entrance, and requested a redesign. Interior designer Yumi Tezuka of Libra Style was brought in to do the job.

Starting with the idea of creating a space that was warm and welcoming for the families living in the residence, Tezuka brought in large, cushy sofas upholstered in soft shades of blue and green. She complemented these with natural wood tables, throw pillows of patterned velour, and a hand woven Turkish rug (called a kilim) patterned after flowing water. The warm, inviting feeling was completed with light fixtures in organic shapes covered in soft Japanese inshuwashi paper.

Tezuka says that her goal with the space was to create something natural and warm--a lobby area that gave residents a sense of home immediately upon entering the building. The reaction from both staff and residents has been undeniably positive--the staff say that the area is now a much more mellow, relaxing and enjoyable place to work, allowing them to give even better service.

As for the residents, their actions speak for themselves: after seeing Tezuka's work, a few of them have already consulted with Libra Style on redecorating their own apartments. This, I would venture to say, is the biggest stamp of approval she could get.

Kelly

With the Nishimachi International Kindergarten just downstairs and the Nishimachi International School across the street, Motoazabu Hills attracts a high percentage of international families. These residents were so pleased when they heard that their front desk staff was organizing a mochitsuki festival that over 100 people registered to attend. Mochitsuki is the act of pounding rice into a sticky, chewy substance known as mochi, which is a traditional food for the Japanese New Year (although it is also eaten year-round).

On the morning of January 16, around 85 residents gathered in Motoazabu Hills to participate in the event. Children and their parents were especially excited to hammer the rice using wooden mallets, or kine, and in between turns the kids were able to pass the time with carnival-style games such as ring toss and shooting games. The weather was beautiful, and parents enjoyed making new friends with their fellow residents while the children enjoyed themselves.

The ingredients for the mochi were prepared by Motoazabu Hills' restaurant, Togo, run by a chef formerly of Nobu Tokyo. There were four flavors in total, including one made with truffles, which was the most impressive to participants. Many residents mentioned being happy to taste the food and see the inside of Togo. Many also mentioned that it was the first time for them to visit the building's barbecue space, but now that they had seen it they planned on using the area more often.

All-in-all, the staff of Motoazabu Hills came together to put on an enjoyable and memorable event for residents. Children and adults alike will not soon forget their first try with a kine, and many participants are already looking forward to the next similar event.

Kelly

The spa prepared a variety of healthy, delicious foods, including fresh sandwich wraps and homemade cookies. Drinks were also provided, and guests enjoyed catching up with each other after the year-end holidays while taking in the stunning view of the city stretched out beneath them.

The highlight of the evening was a violin and koto (a 13-stringed Japanese zither) performance by a pair of young female musicians. In addition to traditional Japanese tunes, they also performed Western favorites such as Amazing Grace, which all of the residents clearly enjoyed.

Unlike most apartment complexes in Japan, Atago Green Hills Forest Tower has a distinct community feel. Many of the residents know each other and regularly socialize over breakfast in the spa lounge or in the exercise area of the spa itself.

I spoke to one resident who has only been in Tokyo for about a year, and he had only wonderful things to say about the atmosphere created by his fellow residents and the staff at Atago Green Hills Forest Tower, mentioning that they made him feel at home during the early days of his time in a strange city. We should all be so lucky!

Kelly

Taking place every Saturday from 10am to 2pm at ARK Karajan Place (the open area between ARK Mori Building and ARK Towers), the Marche opened in September and has already proven to be a popular addition to the area, each week drawing crowds of residents, shoppers and passersby.

Hills Marche is an expansion of the former weekly farmers market, but this market includes not only produce and flowers, but also prepared foods, hot and cold beverages, handicrafts, pet food, and even live entertainment on some days.

On a recent Saturday in December, the crisp and cold weather did not keep visitors from enjoying themselves. A musician sang and played Christmas carols on his guitar as shoppers milled about the various booths, buying both daily staples and seasonal holiday gifts.

Participants in the market include farmers from Ibaraki prefecture (the same farmers from the former Wednesday market) and shops and restaurants located at ARK Hills, including Turandot, Soup Stock Tokyo, and popular restaurants Plates and Aux Bacchanales.

At Hills Marche visitors can buy a cup of hot coffee or soup, or even a light lunch, and eat it while taking in the sights and sounds of the market. It seems a particularly popular option for those with children or pets, as the kids and dogs can enjoy the fresh air while the adults socialize and do their weekly shopping.

One of the more interesting booths I found on my latest visit was one selling brightly colored, hand-woven fair trade baskets from Africa--they were even having a 50 percent off sale for Christmas! I couldn't resist snapping up some of the beautiful pieces as gifts for friends and family in between my soup and focaccia courses.

Kelly

This is the experience of Mori Building City Air Services (MCAS): a new helicopter service offered by Mori Building Group that links central Tokyo to Narita in a matter of minutes. Started in September 2009, the service has already proved popular enough to have gained the loyalty of repeat customers, some of whom live in MORI LIVING residences. So far, feedback of the service has proved overwhelmingly popular. Passengers have commented that similar services are so common in cities such as New York and London that it seemed out of place not to have the same option in Tokyo.

MCAS operates two types of helicopters. Both are top-of-the-line Eurocopters, but the more exclusive of the two has been designed by luxury leather brand Hermes. Every detail has been overseen by the designers, from the supple tan leather seats to the leather and canvas pouch in which the first aid kit is stowed. The journey from ARK Hills to a helipad near Narita takes a mere 15 minutes, plus a 15 minute limo ride to deliver passengers directly to the check-in counter, making this a 50 percent reduction in time from the former fastest route, the Narita Express train line.

Between the exclusive comfort of the helicopter itself and the speed of transportation afforded, it is not difficult to see why busy executives and celebrities are already choosing MCAS as their preferred method of airport transportation. But an added bonus is the peace of mind offered as one gazes out upon the open land and sea of Tokyo and the Pacific Ocean, stretched out below and for all eternity.

Kelly

In the inner room of the Spa Annex, the staff of ARK Hills Spa had set up a wonderful array of delicious but fresh and healthy food for the occasion. There were also chairs and tables for those who wanted to eat in a more relaxed atmosphere. But in the outer room of the Spa Annex, it was a much livelier scene.

Gym mats spread out on the floor provided a space for the children to play, and the staff had been thoughtful enough to bring an assortment of toys and games just for this purpose. Colorful balloons and streamers decorated the room, and guests wore paper hats that they were given upon entering the Spa Annex. In the attached golf practice range, staff had set up a temporary putting green. Participants who got their ball into the hole were given small prizes.

The highlight of the evening came at 6:45pm, when one of the night front desk staff, Mr. Maejima, performed a magic show with the assistance of other residence staff. All of the attendees of the party, especially the children, delighted in watching Mr. Maejima perform trick after trick using colorful scarves, pieces of rope, and sheets of newspaper. The audience responded with enthusiastic applause, signaling that the staff had chosen the evening's entertainment well.

Kelly

I arrived just before the doors opened at 7:30pm on Friday, December 4, and already the staff had been hard at work for hours preparing for the event. They were all dressed in festive Hawaiian shirts, muumuus, sandals and flower leis to set the mood. The doors opened and the first guests entered the lobby of the residence, where the party was being held, at exactly 7:30. Residents mingled about while enjoying the wonderful buffet of island-inspired food and drinks before the highlight of the evening, a hula dance show, started at 8pm.

The dancers were from the internationally acclaimed hula dance company Hula Halau Kahula O Hawai'i, led by award-winning dancer Kyoko Kubokawa. They performed several classic, uplifting hula dances, changing their brightly colored costumes between each song. Perhaps the most impressive element of the performance was the joy the dancers got from dancing--their smiles were so large and bright that it was difficult not to smile back. At the end of the show, they danced a beautiful number to a Hawaiian version of the holiday classic I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas.

But that wasn't all the dancers had to offer. To everyone's delight, they announced that they were inviting audience members to join them in one last dance. While residents were reluctant at first, eventually several guests, from young children to adults, joined the dancers at the front of the room to practice the steps to the dance. They caught on quickly, and after just a few run-throughs the newly expanded troupe was ready to perform. For such a short lesson, they all did extremely well and seemed to be enjoying themselves immensely, just as those guests remaining in the audience were. There wasn't an unsmiling face in the house.

Kelly

Most of Tokyo's famous buildings are home to the shops and offices of designer fashion brands, car companies, and other major international corporations, but MORI LIVING is unique in that it has recognized the importance of top-quality design in residential space, as well as in office and retail space.

Motoazabu Hills is a prime example of MORI LIVING's commitment to top class architectural design. The building was designed by famed architect Shozo Uchii of Uchii Architects, and was modeled after a cedar tree like those planted at its base. The overall concept of the building is that the building should be a part of the green space, blurring the line between nature and structure. To this end, the balconies and the rooftop are forested, and the tree-shaped design allows more light to reach the trees and plants surrounding the base. Conran & Partners, led by Sir Terence Conran, was in charge of the design of the Sky Lounge and the interior of some of the residences.

Conran & Partners also designed Roppongi Hills Residences, using terra cotta tiles on the exterior in order to add warmth to the buildings, contrasting the glass and steel of the Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, the office tower. Atago Green Hills was designed by Argentinean architect Cesar Pelli, who modeled the towers after lotus flowers, incorporating inspiration from the Buddhist temple below.

Another famous architect who has worked with MORI LIVING is Tadao Ando, who designed Omotesando Hills Zelkova Terrace and Forest Plaza Omotesando. Both of these structures incorporate Ando's signature use of light and greenery to create a relaxed urban setting.

Until recently, Tokyo has never had a major landmark aside from Tokyo Tower. But through its work with world-class architects and designers, MORI LIVING is working to change this, and the skyline, one building at a time.

Kelly

Last October, they finally got their wish when a committee of MORI LIVING staff (including one representative from each residence) was appointed to oversee the design of new uniforms, just in time for the 50th anniversary of Mori Building Co., Ltd.

Initially, three designers made a total of about nine designs, after which the front desk staff (about 70 people in all) voted on which design they liked the most. The staff were also able to mention points that they would like changed, which led to a revised design by the chosen designer, and finally the production of samples. These samples were displayed at a MORI LIVING management meeting for final approval before going into the final stages of production.

Using 'elegance' and 'good quality' as key words, the design of the new uniforms was considered from various viewpoints, including those of the front desk staff themselves, staff of other departments, and residents. The committee also thought about the design on both the inside and the outside, adding pockets inside the jackets for pens, rings on the women's skirts for attaching spare keys, pockets for security cards, and other practical considerations.

The new uniforms have given MORI LIVING's front desk staff a renewed sense of pride, which in turn has increased motivation. I spoke with Mr. Kodama and Ms. Matsuzaki of the Roppongi Hills Residences and asked how they feel about the new uniforms and what kind of reaction they've garnered.

"Residents have noticed the change and had a very positive reaction, both to the men's and women's uniforms," said Kodama. An additional motivational factor is the introduction of differently colored neckties and scarves depending on the rank of a staff member. Regular staff wear red, whereas managers wear purple, giving staff members something for which to strive in their work.

Kelly

A while ago I wrote about the new golf practice range at ARK Hills Spa Annex, and Motoazabu Hills Spa contains a similar range. These facilities are popular with residents who value the entertainment and exercise aspects of golf, but are too busy to visit a practice range in another area of the city.

MORI LIVING also organizes a well-attended golf tournament for residents and their guests twice a year, in the spring and fall. "The MORI LIVING Cup" takes place at Shishido Hills Country Club and Shizu Hills Country Club, which are owned by Mori Building Group.

Aside from the enjoyment of playing golf with their friends and competing for great prizes, the tournament also includes breakfast and lunch, a party and prize ceremony, and door-to-door transportation by private bus.

Friends of MORI LIVING pitch in to donate fantastic prizes for participants and winners. These include meal certificates at the Grand Hyatt Tokyo, Tokyo American Club, Terres de Truffe and the Michelin-starred restaurant, among others. Special admission tickets at TOHO Cinemas Roppongi Hills, t-shirts, bags and products from various brands, and a helicopter ride to or from Narita Airport are also on offer.

The grand prize winner at the 8th MORI LIVING Cup on November 15th received a one-year membership at Roppongi Hills Club, an interview with a photo in The Japan Times, a dining certificate for a teppanyaki and okonomiyaki restaurant, and a free round of golf for two at Shishido Hills Country Club.

After a long, entertaining day and so many great prizes, residents return to their homes in the evening, only to hit the practice range again in preparation for the next tournament. After all, practice makes perfect, right?

Kelly