A Malice Mizer Mystery

While Malice Mizer may not be a band that many still are interested in (although the fervor  over tickets for the Deep Sanctuary reunion this year might belay that) there are still some of us who enjoy looking back at what was. One of those things is a curiosity about various photos taken by the band, including the locations. One set of photos that English speaking people have wondered where they were taken at is this set using a seemingly classical styled building as a backdrop. Anyone who knows Japanese architecture is aware that Western styled buildings like this are a little rare and many are noted. Except this building. It has puzzled fans for a while. However, I had an idea just where this place was.

So on March 19th, as a way of celebrating Malice Mizer guitarist Mana's birthday, I decided to head to Ebisu. It's not the most remarkable area in Tokyo but does have a few interesting artistic pieces along the way. Like these posts outside of the Ebisu train station. 

The weather wasn't great for the long walk but I made it to Yebisu Garden Place. Best known for the Yebisu Beer Museum and Beer Station. But I wasn't there to get a drink. 

This is one of the newer places in Tokyo, with lots of concrete, steel and glass. In a way it's eye catching. 

Although not all the buildings look quite so modern there. 

Including some fetching statuary. This is  Le Fruit by Antoine Bourdelle, a French artist. It is a casting made in 1911.

It stands next to this rather amazing French Chateau style building that looks completely out of place among the modern architecture. This is LA TABLE de Joël Robuchon, a French restaurant. And after looking up a bit about it, I wouldn't turn down a chance to eat there. 

While it was difficult trying to figure out what building the photos were taken at, it's also difficult to find information about the history of the building. From what I can tell, it was built for the restaurant. Most likely it was pretty new when Malice Mizer decided it would be a good location for photographs. 

This actually the back of the building. When I was there the restaurant was closed. 

It was fun imagining the band members in their outfits sneaking photographs before the restaurant opened for business or waiting till everyone left at night.

The building does have a feeling of French architecture. 

Did you notice the faces on the urn? 

Even the sides have decorative details. 

The front of the restaurant with sakura. 

After walking around a little I was hungry. I had not thought about where I would have lunch. This Italian restaurant looked appealing.  Trattoria Bacio di Giulietta.

Turns out it was a good decision. I have not had pasta in a while so I went with spaghetti with snow crab and prawns. Decent cold weather food enjoyed with a French view.

Nice al dente pasta with a really good tomato sauce. Chef knew how to cook Italian.

One last look at the Chateau.

One more. Along with a cast of Rodin's statue "Spirit of Eternal Rapose".