MIYAGI (TR) – A striking building in central Sendai City that once housed an outlet of soapland bathhouse chain is now on the market, a striking development that follows the shuttering of all of the operator’s outlets nationwide.
The building is located on Higashinibancho-dori in central Sendai, a street lined with skyscrapers, hotels and department stores.
According to the property website, it was constructed in June 1959 as a three-story reinforced concrete structure. With its exterior resembling a castle, its exterior not only feels aged but also makes a striking impact on the street.
The soapland was Marine Senhime, which was part of the Marine Group. At around 9:00 p.m. on January 30, the chain sent out an message on the chat app Line to announce the closure of all 21 of its outlets.
That same day, the Sendai building was put up for sale for 300 million yen.
Nationwide raids
In recent months, law enforcement has been cracking down on soapland outlets that are suspected of employing women referred by scouting groups operating illegally.
For example, in January, police raided a bathhouse in Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture.
The reason for the closure of Marine Senhime is not clear, reports TBS News (Feb. 5).
When the network inquired with the real estate company handling the sale about what had happened, a representative replied, “We can’t say anything other than what’s listed on the property website.”
The Sendai-Chuo Police Station has jurisdiction over Ichibancho, Aoba Ward, where the building is located. According to investigators, a search of Marine Senhime was conducted on January 28. “We cannot disclose the charges at this time,” an investigator said.
Then, just two days after the search, the building was put up for sale. Shortly thereafter, the white banner covering the building announced: “This building is scheduled for demolition within February!”
