Exploring the Social Divide Through an Investigation of Luxury Senior Home Sakurabia Seijo

In the pottery workshop, there is a dedicated kiln. Residents can create pottery starting from the clay preparation stage. Along the walls of the pottery workshop, unfinished works are displayed, resembling an art room at a school. After the interview, I looked into one of the nameplates attached to the works and found that it seemed to belong to a doctor who manages a medical corporation in the Kanto region.

The restaurant offers more than 30 grand menu items, along with daily specials. Every Thursday, a sushi chef from Midori Sushi, headquartered in Umegaoka, Setagaya, comes to prepare sushi.

“This sushi restaurant is famous for its long lines, but here you can enjoy sushi without waiting.”

Outside the window, a Japanese garden can be seen. The pond in the garden is home to koi fish, and in autumn, the foliage turns a vivid red. In winter, the area often becomes a beautiful snowy landscape. Koi fish have traditionally been considered auspicious and symbols of power and wealth. Former Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka was known to be fond of them. When the koi fish lightly leaped from the water, it seemed to mirror the elegant lives of the residents in the meticulously designed facility.

At Sakuravia Seijo, outdoor events are frequently held.

“For example, we provide a bus for residents to visit nearby amusement parks to see the illuminations, or go on a walking tour of Kinuta Park. In the past, we’ve also visited Disneyland and Yokohama Chinatown.”

All of these outings are quite ordinary, resembling high school field trips.

 

Upon entering the main entrance on the first floor, you will find the lobby. To the right is the front desk, where landscape paintings by 19th-century French artist Camille Corot adorn the walls. Staff are always present at the front desk, allowing for 24-hour access.

Next to the front desk is a small table, and surprisingly, a partner bank visits twice a week. Banking transactions can be conducted here, though withdrawals are handled at a later date. From daily living and health to entertainment, the environment is well-equipped, as was evident from Mr. Ishizuka’s tour.