The film "The Wings of the Kirin," starring Hiroshi Abe, is reportedly a hit—adapted from a suspense novel by Naoki Prize winner Keigo Higashino. The story unfolds with the imaginary kirin statue on the central pillar of the stone arch bridge Nihonbashi in Chuo Ward, Tokyo, as stage setting. The kirin with wings spread symbolizes flight toward the future and hope; Nihonbashi is the starting point for a new takeoff.
Palaceside Building in Takebashi has no kirin, but six dove statues stand on the east and west roof edges of the ninth floor—three with wings spread, three resting wings and gazing into the distance. The Mainichi Newspapers, owner of Palaceside Building, once used carrier pigeons for communication; doves, symbols of peace, were placed on the roof for that reason.
Exit to street level from Tokyo Metro Tozai Line Takebashi Station and look up toward the top of the building. You can see doves spreading their wings, about to soar into the open sky.