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Japanese Perspectives

”Architects can open up the black box, break down the barriers of institutions and conventions and reconnect the network into an ecosystem.” – Fuminori Nousaku

Seeking architectural responses to the complex conditions of the present—limited resources, shifting demographics, and the urgent need to imagine more resilient and climate-responsive as well as adaptive forms of living. Japan holds a particular fascination and can offer insights and answers. It represents a context in which many of these challenges and crises are unfolding with greater intensity and visibility, potentially providing insight into future demographic and urban transformations that other countries, such as Germany, may yet experience. At the same time, engaging with Japan offers an opportunity to examine a culture in which architecture has long negotiated the relationship between continuity and change, tradition and innovation, permanence and transformation, an approach that provides valuable perspectives for rethinking architectural practice today. 

Japanese Perspectives weaves together nine essays by Japanese architects, presenting their ideas, practices, and concepts of sustainability and reuse, alongside field observations that juxtapose architectural projects with everyday urban life and trace the connections encountered while navigating the cities. 

With contributions by: 
Yutaro Muraji / CHAr, Manabu Chiba, Taku Neichi / Ishimura+Neichi, Shunsuke Kimura / SSK, Mio Tsuneyama / mnm, Norihisa Kawashima / Nori Architects, Fuminori Nousaku, Tsubame Architects, Tomoaki Uno 
Mio Tsuneyama, Fuminori Nousaku, Nori Architects, Tomoaki Uno, CHAr, Manabu Chiba, Tsubame Architects, Ishimura + Neichi Office, and Shunsuke Kimura