History

PACIFIC CONSULTANTS, Inc. is founded U.S. Corporation with equal investment from Muneki Shiraishi, Eric Floor, and Antonin Raymond (registered in Delaware, USA, Headquarters in Chicago, Tokyo branch office in Maru Building 424).

PACIFIC CONSULTANTS CO., LTD. established as a Japanese corporation.
(Tokyo, Shinjuku West Exit, Higashi Fuji Building [now Subaru Building]), capital stock JPY 300,000.

A New Route for Commuting
Technology and Knowledge Applied to Key Sections

At the request of the Teito Rapid Transit Authority, we were entrusted with the research design and soil investigation of the Marunouchi Line's Kasumigaseki-Akasaka-mitsuke section. Approximately 230m of the section between Kasumigaseki and Akasaka-mitsuke was excavated using the shield method. This was the first attempt at this for a Japanese subway. Three years later, on March 15, 1959, the 5.8km section between Kasumigaseki and Shinjuku was opened, marking the opening of the entire Marunouchi Line. This was the foundation for a high-density line, with trains arriving every 1 minute and 50 seconds during the morning rush hour.

A Bridge to the Future
Symbol of the Dawn of the Highway Age

Japan's first expressway, between Tokyo and Kobe. A comparative viaduct design was commissioned to determine the best structural type in terms of various aspects, including economy and structural characteristics. Based on this design, construction of the 191km section between Komaki and Nishinomiya began in 1958. The section between Ritto and Amagasaki was opened in 1963. This was also the first civil engineering project in Japan to use the lump-sum unit price contract method, and the first competitive bidding project to include a unit price table for each type of work. The project is highly regarded for its achievement in bringing the potential of viaducts to expressways.

The Olympics to be Held in Five Years' Time
Rapid Improvement of the Metropolitan  Transportation Network

In preparation for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, construction of "Olympic-related roads" such as Route 1 was prioritized, and our company also began structural design. To shorten the construction period, we adopted a method of "building roads over existing roads and rivers," which did not require land acquisition, and used the immersed tunnel method for the Haneda Tunnel. Metropolitan Expressway Route 1 opened in 1962, and all Olympic-related roads were opened nine days before the opening ceremony. We made full use of ideas and cutting-edge technology to achieve a construction period that would have been impossible using normal procedures.

Comfortable Travel at 200 km/h
Great Technology Handed Down

In the Tokaido Shinkansen project, we were involved in the design of the Hyugacho/Kamonomiya area and the Fuji River Bridge. The world's first and Japan's first high-speed railway was built on a separate line with standard gauge, different from the narrow gauge of the conventional line. There were many unknowns, and the project required detailed consideration of the topography and climate of the entire area along the line, and a meticulous design. The technology and know-how cultivated on this line was later passed on to other Shinkansen lines, giving birth to many descendants such as the "Hikari," "Nozomi," and "Kodama."

Transformation of the Leisure and Business Transportation
Japan's Main Artery Completed

Utilizing the technology and know-how that was poured into the construction of Japan's first expressway, the Meishin Expressway, the company continued to design the approximately 350km-long expressway. In 1968, the Tokyo IC-Atsugi IC, Fuji IC-Shizuoka IC, and Okazaki IC-Komaki IC sections were opened, and the entire line was finally opened in 1969. The Tomei Expressway, along with the Tokaido Shinkansen, which opened in 1964, and the Meishin Expressway, which opened in 1965, became a major trunk line connecting Tokyo and Osaka, surpassing railroads in land freight transport.

Towards the World Expo
Strengthening Osaka International Airport

It was decided that the World Expo would be held in Osaka in 1970. In order to welcome visitors from around the world for Asia's first international exposition, the design of Osaka International Airport was entrusted to the company in 1965. Would it be able to handle the predicted volume of traffic, would it be safe, and would it link with the surrounding transportation network to smoothly get to its destination? The World Expo was a great success and attracted a lot of attention from Japan and abroad as one of the airports that symbolised Japan's rapid economic growth after the war, which made it the second largest economic power after the USA.

A Design for the New Age of Aviation
A New International Airport for a New Age

What is needed for an airport in the new age is two 4,000m runways, one 3,600m runway, and two 2,500m runways. Various other features were also desired. With such a huge airport in mind, we carried out the airport design with an eye on a new age of aviation. After opening in May 1978, it was privatized (converted into a special company) in 2004 and its name was changed to "Narita International Airport." Today, access from the city center has improved dramatically, and the airport continues to evolve every day as a gateway to the world, making use of our original ideas.

Stage for Winning Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals
Stadium Watched over by the Hinomaru Flying Squadron

Miyanomori Ski Jump Site was newly built when Sapporo hosted the Winter Olympics in 1972. It was designed by our company in 1968 and completed in 1970, just before the pre-Olympics. At the time of its completion, the large ski jump located so close to the city center made its presence known to the world as a structure showcasing Sapporo's excellent sports environment. Even today, many competitions are held here, and the ski jump, which produces great excitement, is a popular attraction for tourists visiting Hokkaido in the summer as well as in the winter.

Connecting the Present and the Future
The Most Beautiful Rocket Base in the World

Osaki Launch Site was established within the Tanegashima Space Center for the purpose of launching practical rockets. It was designed with the image of a facility that would blend in with nature. It is the core facility of the center, and since the N-1 rocket, NASDA's (National Space Development Agency of Japan) first practical rocket, rockets based on the Delta rocket have been launched here. Artificial satellites with unique roles, including the weather satellite "Himawari," have departed from Osaki Launch Site, bringing great benefits to people.

Using the Latest Technology to Solve Problems
Major Changes in the Lives of People Living in Snow Area

The Kan-Etsu Tunnel Project cuts through Mt. Tanigawa at an altitude of around 700m via the shortest route in a straight line. The full-face excavation method was used in the design and construction of the 11km-long tunnel. The fact that such a long tunnel could be excavated using this method was revolutionary in itself. It was provisionally opened in 1985, reducing travel time over the mountain pass by more than an hour. Japan's longest road tunnel cuts through the steep Mt. Tanigawa and is not hindered by heavy snowfall, dramatically increasing the flow of goods and people between the east and west.

Combating Soft Ground and High Water Pressure
The Tokyo Bay Area Comes Together Across the Sea

The Tokyo Bay Transit Highway (nicknamed the Tokyo Bay Aqualine) runs from Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture, through Tokyo Bay to Kisarazu City, Chiba Prefecture. Our company was responsible for all environmental surveys, including air quality, vibration, water quality, ecology, and scenery. After collecting various data, including environmental surveys, and conducting repeated feasibility studies, construction finally began in 1989. The bridge section was completed in 1995, and Tunnel Dept. in 1997, and the road was opened to traffic. It connects Kawasaki and Kisarazu in 30 minutes, and is one of the trump cards that will significantly alleviate traffic congestion in the bay area.

Contributing to the Design of the Central Area
A Futuristic City for the 21st Century

Yokohama Minato Mirai 21 is an area bordering Tokyo Bay that stretches across Nishi-ku and Naka-ku in Yokohama City. We poured our technology and know-how into the basic design for the central district leveling that is the foundation of the project. The development was carried out in a planned manner based on basic principles, with electric wires and optical fibers buried in utility tunnels together with water and sewerage. Energy conservation was also taken into consideration with efficient garbage collection and the introduction of district heating and cooling. It was developed as a futuristic city worthy of the 21st century, and in 1997 it was awarded one of the 100 Best Urban Landscapes in Japan.

Achieving Significantly Faster Full-Line Restoration
The Birth of a Strong and Environmentally Friendly Hanshin Expressway

The Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake occurred on January 17, 1995. The collapse of the Hanshin Expressway Route 3 Kobe Line was a testament to the ferocity of the disaster. An emergency response headquarters was set up within the company on the same day. Based on information gathered on-site, measures were considered for the removal of collapsed bridges, fallen bridges, and rubble, and emergency measures such as the installation of shoring, wrapping steel plates, and girder connections were proposed for damaged structures. Furthermore, restoration work was promoted while exploring designs, technologies, and construction methods that would demonstrate resilience. The entire line was restored on September 30, 1996.

Numerous New Technologies Emerge
Traffic Information Using Technology

In 1997, Metropolitan Expressway Corporation introduced the "Comprehensive Management System" to integrate Metropolitan Expressway traffic control system. Our company was in charge of investigating this system. The Comprehensive Management System is capable of instantly detecting any abnormalities on Metropolitan Expressway, as well as distributing accurate information in real time. This has resulted in time benefits from reduced driving time, economic benefits from improved fuel efficiency through smoother driving, and reduced environmental impact through reduced CO2 emissions.

Connecting Akihabara and Tsukuba in 45-minutes
New Transportation Infrastructure for Tsukuba Science City

The plan was first drawn up in 1978. After many twists and turns, the "Metropolitan Area New Urban Railway" project was launched in 1990. After considering many points to note, such as the electrification method that would take into account the impact on the Japan Meteorological Agency's geomagnetic observatory in Kakioka, Takaoka City, Ibaraki Prefecture, the current route was decided upon, running from Akihabara through Kita-Senju to Minami Nagareyama, Moriya, and Midorino. It is not only used as a commuter route, but also plays an important role as a major route for transporting tourists from Tokyo, Chiba, and Saitama to Mount Tsukuba.

Saving the Area from Flood damage
Japan's World-Class Underground Temple for Disaster Prevention

This is the world's largest flood prevention facility, which will create a 6.3km-long river 50m underground directly below National Route 16 in Kasukabe City. The project began in 1993, and involved the use of expertise in almost every aspect, from the underground tunnel section of the spillway, to the overall concept, hydraulic analysis, planning and design of the structures and facilities, and monitoring of noise, vibration, and water quality after completion. When in its normal hollow state, it resembles an underground temple. It has also been used in many filmings, including television programs, special effects, commercials, and movies.

Connecting the Subway City and the Aboveground City
The Start of the Station Boom

When you emerge from Omotesando Station, you will come across Brand Street, a beautiful tree-lined avenue that has been likened to the Champs-Élysées in Paris. We proposed to bring that atmosphere underground, creating a sense of unity with the city, and we were selected as the business partner over many other competitors, and thus began the "Omotesando Station Paris Plan." Echika Omotesando became Japan's first full-scale development example that successfully "attractively combined railway facilities and commercial space."

Regenerating with Advanced Technical Knowledge
Towards an Airport that is Loved and Expected

Our company, which participated in the construction method evaluation and selection conference in 2002, was officially involved in the Tokyo International Airport re-expansion project from the trial design work in 2004. Since then, we have provided technology and know-how at every stage from planning to surveys, contracts, design and construction, including construction supervision guideline review work in 2005, dynamic observation system development work in 2006, and construction supervision support work from 2007. With the construction of a hybrid structure runway, the annual number of takeoffs and landings increased by 38%, greatly expanding the potential of Tokyo International Airport.

To private Companies and Local Governments
The Industry Standard for Protecting the Global Environment

Raising Interest Among Local People
Water Quality Improvement Plan Implemented Together with Residents

The Inbanuma Basin Water Cycle Healthy Council was launched in 2001, led by Chiba Prefecture. Our company participated in this project as a supporter, building a system in which each of the 700,000 residents of the basin could take the initiative in formulating and implementing plans. As many as 63 measures were put forward from the perspectives of "restoring water volume to normal times" and "improving water quality," and we also began working with farmers to reduce fertilizer use. This is one of the valuable results that was made possible by the combined efforts of the government and our company, the "private sector."

Building on Experience and Knowledge to Pakistan
Move the Future with Bridge Maintenance Management Technology!

Because maintenance plans based on bridge inspections were not formulated, bridge repair budgets could not be requested, resulting in a vicious cycle where bridge inspections could not be carried out. To break this cycle, we promoted the "bridge maintenance cycle," which consists of inspection planning → bridge inspection → inspection result evaluation → maintenance planning → bridge repair, with a database at its core. We provided technical cooperation to ensure that the bridge maintenance cycle was continuously implemented. This contract had a significant impact on our company subsequent overseas expansion and has been carried on ever since.
*Effective October 1, 2026, Pacific Consultants Group's international business will transition to a structure centered on Pacific Padeco International Co., Ltd.

Aiming to Become the No. 1 International Airport in Shikoku and the Setouchi Area
Making Full Utilization of Domestic and International Consulting Know-how

We participated in a consortium represented by MITSUBISHI ESTATE CO., LTD., and won the right of first negotiation in 2017. We started business operations in April 2018. We have provided the necessary support for safe and secure airport operations by utilizing the comprehensive capabilities we have gained through our experience in numerous airport-related consulting projects, such as support for the launch of airport operations, support for the handover of national operations after operations have begun, and system creation. Today, we are promoting activities to attract new routes and the implementation of various measures in collaboration with local governments and related companies.

A new Challenge as a Leader in the Area
The Role of Private Companies in Regional Revitalization

In August 2015, we proposed a "Smart Wellness Town Concept" to Mutsuzawa Town, Chiba Prefecture, which includes roadside station as a base for local energy production and consumption utilizing locally sourced natural gas, as well as housing to encourage migration and settlement. This concept was adopted. The roadside station, which serves as the base, plays a significant role as a disaster prevention hub for the region. The project will run for 20 years, and our regional revitalization efforts are just beginning. We will strive to make this a showcase and a model for regional revitalization.
*The operation of this facility was transferred from Pacific Consultants Co., Ltd. to its group company, Project Brain Corp., effective April 1, 2026.

Building Disaster-Resilient Cities in Africa,
Minimizing Cyclone Damage with Japan's Cooperation

Cyclone Idai, a powerful storm that made landfall on March 14-15, 2019, caused extensive damage near Beira city in Sofala province, central Mozambique, Africa. The Mozambican government requested assistance from Japan. This project supports the development of an action plan within the Beira city recovery and reconstruction plan, aiming to create a disaster-resilient city. By promoting understanding of disaster risks based on hazard maps, the project contributes to facilitating smooth recovery efforts and the formation of a disaster-resilient society.
*Effective October 1, 2026, Pacific Consultants Group's international business will transition to a structure centered on Pacific Padeco International Co., Ltd.

Realizing a New Regional Hub that Connects Sports, Culture, and Exchange

This project was initiated by Saga Prefecture as a new hub for sports, culture, and exchange, coinciding with the "SAGA2024 National Sports Festival and All Japan Para Sports Festival." By seamlessly connecting arenas, athletic facilities, and open spaces, it created a stage for a new lifestyle through sports, culture, and exchange. Our company was responsible for the exterior design and the design of the Eiko Bridge, which supports pedestrian flow, contributing to the formation of a new regional exchange hub that balances functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Supporting the Extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen and Contributing to the Development of a Wide-area Transportation Network

With the opening of the Kanazawa-Tsuruga section of the Hokuriku Shinkansen, the wide-area transportation network connecting the Tokyo metropolitan area with the Hokuriku and Kansai regions has advanced significantly. Our company was in charge of the detailed design of the Okura-Yoza Viaduct, as well as the Miyama Tunnel and the Kakegawa Bridge. We supported the extension project through the design of the viaducts, bridges, and tunnels, while dealing with challenging conditions such as soft ground and environmental considerations for Ramsar Convention-registered wetlands.

Supporting the Recovery and Reconstruction of Disaster-stricken Areas and Restoring Local Transportation Functions

Restoration work on National Route 249, which suffered extensive damage in Noto Peninsula Earthquake in January 2024, has progressed. As a vital arterial road supporting logistics and daily life in the affected areas, passage along the coastal section was secured by the end of 2024. Our company supported the early recovery and reconstruction of the affected areas through technical studies, surveys, and designs for the restoration, and contributed to the reconstruction of a safe and secure transportation network.