Officiating at the event were the respective chairmen and board members of The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited (HSH) and its partner in The Peninsula Tokyo project, Mitsubishi Estate Company Limited (MEC).  The event was also attended by executives from the building architect, Mitsubishi Jisho Sekkei Inc., the general contractor, Taisei Corporation, the interior designer Brennan Beer Gorman Monk/Interiors, and by invited guests from Chiyoda Ward�s community.

Commenting at the groundbreaking, HSH chief executive officer, Clement Kwok said, �The development of The Peninsula Tokyo is an important and exciting step in the long term development of The Peninsula Hotels.  We are delighted to be adding a top quality hotel in such a prime area of Marunouchi, to meet the demands of both local and international guests.�

The exterior design of the 24-storey hotel, to be built on a triangular site near the intersection of Hibiya-dori and Harumi-dori, will be classic in form, with views of some of the city�s notable landmarks.  Thanks to the brand�s high recognition among Japanese consumers, The Peninsula Tokyo is expected to attract substantial domestic patronage as well as international corporate and leisure business.

MEC has been implementing a major revitalisation initiative to turn Marunouchi district into a sophisticated centre for retail and entertainment as well as commercial activities.  Commenting on the development of The Peninsula on this prime site, MEC president and chief executive officer, Mr Shigeru Takagi said, �The Peninsula Tokyo plays an important role in the grand reform of Marunouchi.  It will serve as the gateway to Yurakucho and Marunouchi, helping to create an axis of energy in the area.�

Among the facilities within the hotel will be:  a signature Peninsula Lobby serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and afternoon tea; four further food and beverage outlets; a full complement of function rooms ranging from a main ballroom and extensive wedding suite to smaller meeting and banquet rooms; a swimming pool and spa including a Fitness Centre; retail; and a Peninsula Boutique.
 

Incorporated in 1866 and listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange, The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited�s principal business comprises the ownership and management of prestigious hotel, commercial and residential properties in key destinations in Asia and the USA; it is the owner and operator of The Peninsula Hotels.  The hotel portfolio comprises The Peninsula Hong Kong, The Peninsula New York, The Peninsula Chicago, The Peninsula Beverly Hills, The Peninsula Bangkok, The Peninsula Palace Beijing and The Peninsula Manila under the brand name.  The Kowloon Hotel in Hong Kong is managed by The Peninsula Hotels; Quail Lodge Resort and Golf Club, Carmel, California is managed by Valley Resort Management LLC.