Tokyo landmarks: The “Giant Golden Poop” in Asakusa

I love that this is one of those classic Japan moments where something is supposed to be very profound and artistic, but an entire nation has quietly agreed on a completely different interpretation.

Walking through Asakusa, it is impossible to miss the giant golden object perched on top of the black building across the Sumida River. Officially, it is called the "Flamme d'Or" or Golden Flame, and it was designed by French designer Philippe Starck as part of the Asahi Beer headquarters complex. The flame is meant to represent the burning heart of Asahi's brewing spirit.

Which is a lovely idea.

Unfortunately, to many people, including me, it looks much less like a blazing flame and much more like something a very large golden dog may have left behind.

Once you see it, you cannot unsee it.

The best part is that nobody seems particularly bothered by this. Tour guides continue explaining the artistic significance with a straight face while visitors discreetly whisper their own theories. Ask any long term resident of Tokyo what that golden object is, and there is a good chance they will immediately reply with some variation of "the golden poop building."

Even the location makes it more dramatic. You have the historic atmosphere of Asakusa, rickshaws waiting for passengers, Sensoji Temple nearby, old Tokyo charm everywhere, and then suddenly a gigantic metallic golden blob casually sitting on a rooftop as if this is the most normal thing in the world.

Apparently the original design was intended to stand upright as a flame. Structural and practical concerns led to it being laid on its side, which may explain why so many people struggle to see the artistic vision. A vertical flame? Elegant. A horizontal flame? Well... let's just say the imagination starts working overtime.

What I appreciate most is how perfectly this captures Japan's relationship with modern architecture. Japan can preserve a thousand year old temple, build a futuristic tower, create world class design, and accidentally produce one of the country's most famous unofficial landmarks all in the same neighbourhood.

Every time I pass through Asakusa, I tell myself that this time I will appreciate the symbolism, the artistry, and the architectural significance.

And every time, my brain says exactly the same thing.

"That's a very shiny dog poop."