TOKYO -- As Japan's capital undergoes a high-rise construction boom, some old renovated towers have managed to remain just as popular as the new pillars.

The Shinjuku Sumitomo Building was built some 40 years ago in west Shinjuku. The edifice, one of the area's oldest high-rises, is still able to charge rents that are competitive with those of younger buildings.

The monument, nicknamed the "Sumitomo Sankaku Building" because it takes a shape similar to a "triangle" when viewed from above, has been a Shinjuku landmark for decades. "Tenants often value the building's name recognition," said Hiroshi Kato, a director at Sumitomo Realty & Development, the building's operator.

The Shinjuku Sumitomo Building, commonly known as the Sumitomo Sankaku Building

The old beanstalk this summer will start getting a more than 10 billion yen ($91.3 million) renovation. Part of the upgrade will provide a roof over the patio around the building so events can be held regardless of the weather. Sumitomo Realty & Development hopes that by giving a face-lift to one of Shinjuku's oldest icons, it can enhance the attractiveness of the entire neighborhood.

Across town, the Kasumigaseki Building was completed in 1968. It is considered Japan's first high-rise. Kasumigaski, the district, is home to many government ministries, not to mention a lot of businesses.

The tall old man has maintained high rents even as newer buildings have sprouted up around him, according to operator Mitsui Fudosan.

The building has experienced three major renovations at a total cost of 60 billion yen. Compare that to the roughly 15 billion yen spent 48 years ago erecting the building.

In earthquake-prone Japan, seismic resistance is a major concern for aged buildings, particularly since the 2011 temblor and tsunami that devastated large parts of northeastern Japan. And tenants often look for space in buildings that go beyond merely satisfying earthquake-resistance standards set by the Japanese government.

The Shinjuku Mitsui Building, which opened in 1974, has introduced an earthquake-resistant function based around a giant pendulum that hangs from its roof.

The operator of the Marunouchi-Nakadori Building, located in the capital's posh Marunouchi area, near Tokyo Station, took a different approach to increase asset value. The 10-story building has little floor space compared to the area's taller buildings. So each floor is divvied up into numerous small offices, the rent for which can add up to more than what a single tenant might pay for an entire floor.

Mitsubishi Estate, the building's operator, says the building's small offices satisfy demand from law firms and other small businesses.

In Japan, buildings, even some that are not so old, are often demolished and replaced with shiny towers. But this does not have to be the case. Often, renovations are enough to make an old spike on the skyline just as covet-worthy as a glistening new one.

According to Tokyo-based Japan Real Estate Institute, as of 2015 there were 15 super-high-rises 60 meters or taller at least 40 years old.

(Nikkei)