Construction of a new building for the Ambassade de France au Japon was conducted to mark the 150th anniversary of diplomatic relations between France and Japan in 2008. The project was intended to symbolize the nation of France, which is striving to renew its image, stimulate activity and strengthen relations with strategic partners in Japan. Some divisions had been located apart in neighboring office buildings, but consolidating them into a new modern, highly functional building has further improved service levels for the country's Japanese partners and the French community in Japan. Construction of the new building was the result of an innovative partnership with the MiNTAK consortium (of French and Japanese companies). The consortium consists of Mitsui & Co., Nomura Real Estate Development, Takenaka Corp., Aeroports De Paris Ingenierie and Kume Sekkei. It planned, built and developed the new embassy building, and will provide maintenance services for the next 15 years. On the expansive grounds of the French Embassy there is a garden preserved from the time of the Tokugawa Shogunate. France constructed the new building in harmony with the surrounding environment in order to avoid damaging the garden, which is viewed as a very important part of Japan's historical heritage.