Toki Messe

File:Toki-Messe-01.jpg

Bandaijima Building of Toki Messe

Toki Messe (朱鷺メッセ, Toki Messe) is a multi-purpose international convention center located in Niigata, Niigata Prefecture, Japan. The center was opened on May 1, 2003 and contains a hotel, restaurants, an art museum, conference rooms, and the offices of several international organizations.

Since 2004, Toki Messe has been the site of home games for the Niigata Albirex Basketball Team.

Toki Messe is the tallest building on the Sea of Japan, and has an observation deck on the 31st floor where one can view the areas in and around Niigata. Depending on the weather, one can also see Sado and Awashima islands.

The complex is named after the toki, the official bird of Niigata Prefecture.

On the opening night of August 26, 2003, an incident occurred where a 40-meter section of raised walkway connecting Toki Messe to the Sado Ferry Terminal collapsed. At the time, many assumed this was due to terrorism from pro-North Korean groups, as the North Korean Mangyongbong-92 ferry had just departed from nearby Niigata Port the same day. However, a later investigation revealed faulty construction. Since then, Toki Messe has not been directly connected to the ferry terminal.

External links

• TOKI MESSE: Niigata Convention Center, Official website
• Toki Messe / Niigata Convention Center, Maki and Associates