Granite and Tokyo Tour Series 2025 No.7 Barbizon74, Akasaka

Aji Stone in Random Masonry — Barbizon74, Akasaka

On the evening of September 11, 2025, I stood in front of a building stacked with Aji Stone. The building is Barbizon74 in Akasaka, Tokyo. Its exterior is clad in Japan’s renowned granite, Aji Stone, arranged in a bold, random masonry style.

What Is Aji Stone?

Aji Stone is a granite quarried in Aji and Mure, Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture, and was formed about 83 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous by deep magma activity. It has an extremely fine crystal structure and is characterized by its unique mottled pattern called <em>fu</em>.

Because of its quality and rarity, Aji Stone is often called the “diamond of granite.” It is highly resistant to weathering and discoloration, and its polished luster lasts for a long time, which is why it is regarded as the pinnacle of memorial stone materials in Japan. This building features a luxurious random masonry specification that makes generous use of Aji Stone.

This building uses Aji Stone generously in a luxurious random masonry specification.

Why Random Masonry Works Here

Instead of mirror-polished faces, the wall exposes split, natural surfaces and stacks them irregularly. This approach is the same technique seen in Japanese castle stone walls—using stones close to their natural shapes to create rugged relief and strength. The uneven faces catch light and shadow throughout the day, producing a powerful contrast against the clean lines of modern urban architecture.

Barbizon74 — Quick Specs

Note

I sell finished stone products (lanterns, Jizo, gorinto, accessories), not building materials. This is a field note recording how Aji Stone’s natural character can shape the mood of a city facade.