{"id":27363,"date":"2020-06-11T12:44:18","date_gmt":"2020-06-11T11:44:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/?p=27363"},"modified":"2020-06-18T07:34:29","modified_gmt":"2020-06-18T06:34:29","slug":"kengo-kuma-finding-architectural-harmony","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/2020\/06\/11\/kengo-kuma-finding-architectural-harmony\/","title":{"rendered":"Kengo Kuma: Finding Architectural Harmony"},"content":{"rendered":"<h4>Like this post? Help us by sharing it!<\/h4><ul class=\"wpfai-list\"><li class=\"wpfai-list-item facebook\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F27363&amp;t=\" title=\"Facebook\" class=\"wpfai-facebook wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-facebook fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item twitter\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/share?text=&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F27363\" title=\"Twitter\" class=\"wpfai-twitter wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-twitter fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item pinterest\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F27363&amp;description=&amp;media=\" title=\"Pinterest\" class=\"wpfai-pinterest wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-pinterest fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item linkedin\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F27363&amp;title=\" title=\"Linked In\" class=\"wpfai-linkedin wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-linkedin fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item envelope\">\r\n      <a href=\"mailto:?subject=&amp;body=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F27363%20-%20\" title=\"E-Mail\" class=\"wpfai-envelope wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-envelope fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item stumbleupon\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.stumbleupon.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F27363\" title=\"Stumble Upon\" class=\"wpfai-stumbleupon wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-stumbleupon fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item reddit\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.reddit.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F27363\" title=\"Reddit\" class=\"wpfai-reddit wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-reddit fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><\/ul><p><strong>Words by Tyler Palma and quotes from Kengo Kuma reprinted with permission<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Kengo Kuma has been in the news most recently as the designer of the new Japan National Stadium, the planned site for the Tokyo Olympics. But his prominence as one of the most significant and influential contemporary Japanese architects goes back decades. His stated goal is to recover the tradition of Japanese buildings and to reinterpret these traditions for the 21st century.\u00a0 He is professor in the Department of Architecture at the University of Tokyo.\u202f<\/strong><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201c<\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">When you observe architects from far away, they appear to be like gods who create the world, and you are so much in awe of them that it seems impossible to imagine that you could become something so great. However, when you become close with architects, you realize that they are surprisingly ordinary people, and you begin to feel like you can create architecture.<\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201d<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0&#8211;\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Kengo<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Kuma<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">*<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:283,&quot;335559737&quot;:283,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In a time of climate change, pandemic, and protests for racial equality, architecture has a responsibility to answer questions about the role it plays in creating a society that is sustainable, safe, and inclusive. At its best, architecture is inspiring and brings out the best in us. At its worst, architecture is oppressive, wasteful, and ugly.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In Japan,<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0as anywhere,<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0there\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">are\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">buildings that fall into both\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">categories,<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0a never-ending tug of war between\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">metropolis<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0sprawl and sensational structures. At<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0the forefront of th<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">e<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0discourse<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0about what architecture in Japan can and should be<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0is\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Kengo<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Kuma.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">nd<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">because of his stature<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0and stardom<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, where he goes others will follow.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you have never heard of\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Kengo<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Kuma and his architecture firm\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/kkaa.co.jp\/status\/completed\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">KKAA<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, then you are in the very enviable position of being on the precipice of discovering something very special. Dotted throughout Japan\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">and now the world are dazzling buildings that communicate the beauty and depth of traditional Japanese craftsmanship on a liveable scale.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Although Kuma\u2019s buildings are undeniably contemporary, their<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0beauty is rooted in a\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">long-standing\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">tradition of building from wood<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">and\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">know-how<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0that stretch<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">es<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0back to ancient\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">times<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_27381\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-27381\" style=\"width: 375px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-27381\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Kengo-Kuma-Plaque-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"375\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Kengo-Kuma-Plaque-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Kengo-Kuma-Plaque-423x564.jpg 423w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Kengo-Kuma-Plaque-390x520.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Kengo-Kuma-Plaque-510x680.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Kengo-Kuma-Plaque.jpg 594w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 375px) 100vw, 375px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-27381\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Cerabo Kutani building is not one of Kengo Kuma&#8217;s best known works but it&#8217;s a gorgeous building and dedicated to the regions pottery. A great place to get your fill of architecture and also learn about the pottery that Kanazawa has become synonymous with.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Japan<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0is rightfully known for<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0find<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ing<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0harmony in the fusion of tradition and technology. The juxtaposition of these two seemingly contradictory forces has been the subject of endless travel essays and is now a well-deserved stereotype that creeps into virtually any cultural examination of\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">the\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">country<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. But rather than simply contrast one with the other, Kuma has found a way to combine contemporary technology to bring out the very best of traditional materials and take old techniques to new heights.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This was not always the case; Kuma came to prominence during Japan\u2019s bubble period and\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">wa<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">s<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0thus<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0well-acquainted with steel and concrete before re-discovering the beauty and warmth of lumber.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> On a trip to the countryside, Kuma saw the thatched roofs, wooden buildings and tatami mats from his c<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">hildhood<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0and was inspired\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">to return to an architecture that used local materials and local methods. Kuma later recalled that it was from \u201cthe small architecture that I create in collaboration with local craftsman\u201d that\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">he\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">earned the nickname \u201cbarefoot architect\u201d<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">; a moniker that echoed the \u201ctitle given to doctors who travelled around the country to provide grassroots medical services during the age of Mao Zedong\u201d.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_27380\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-27380\" style=\"width: 375px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-27380\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Asakusa-Culture-and-Tourism-Center-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"375\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Asakusa-Culture-and-Tourism-Center-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Asakusa-Culture-and-Tourism-Center-423x564.jpg 423w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Asakusa-Culture-and-Tourism-Center-390x520.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Asakusa-Culture-and-Tourism-Center-510x680.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Asakusa-Culture-and-Tourism-Center.jpg 594w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 375px) 100vw, 375px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-27380\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Asakusa Culture and Tourism Center makes quite an impact. Aside from the Tokyo Sky Tree and Asahi drinks HQ (visible in the background), this building is just across from perhaps the most famous gate and lantern in Japan. The Kaminarimon of Senso-ji Temple.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This pivot from Kuma towards a more sustainable architecture that invigorated local economies was accompanied by an understanding that buildings needed to be for the communities in which they are built<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. Places t<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">hat locals can take pride and ownership in.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Although many of Kuma\u2019s work<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">s<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0can be found in prosperous cities such as Tokyo, London and Paris and\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">many of\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">his buildings are luxurious\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">and unquestionably expensive<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, Kuma also recognises that \u201ceconomic development and regional revitalization through architecture will be an important mission for architects in the future\u201d**.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This underlying belief always felt important but as s<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ocieties<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0across the globe\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">grapple<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0with whether our systems promote or hinder equality<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> and as some are under lockdown in spaces that are neither clean nor conducive to one\u2019s wellbeing<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">the<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0urgency<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">for<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">thoughtful<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0architecture<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0is more pressing than ever.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">We must recognise that the\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">creat<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ions of<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Kengo<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Kuma\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">(and many of his contemporaries) are<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0not only nice to look at but\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">a\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">vital<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0step in improving our cities<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">As Kuma states,\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u201cI have talked about the need for open architecture for a long time\u2026 The word environment was used to explain this, but I now feel that the word health is more appropriate.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0(During self-isolation)<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0I have been taught about the happiness of walking and having the wind in my face, basking in the sun and feeling the earth in this manner.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">This was Kuma\u2019s revelation when Covid-19 brought a stop to his endless travel and forced him to experience stasis in a way that had become utterly foreign to him as his project list became ever-more international in its scope.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u201c<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">I am staying still in one place for what really seems to be the first time in my life. But that does not mean that I am just sitting at my desk. I am continuing to walk. I have realized that the act of walking creates a rhythm for my body and stimulates me, expanding the horizons of my thoughts. On the other hand, I am still connected with the world by means of frequent video conferences. I have talked extensively over the last few years about the importance of compact cities and walkable cities, but I did not think that I would have the opportunity to experience for myself this new way of living by using my body in this manner.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_27390\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-27390\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-27390\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/New-National-Stadium-Tokyo-1-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"New National Stadium Japan\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/New-National-Stadium-Tokyo-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/New-National-Stadium-Tokyo-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/New-National-Stadium-Tokyo-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/New-National-Stadium-Tokyo-1-564x423.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/New-National-Stadium-Tokyo-1-900x675.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/New-National-Stadium-Tokyo-1-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/New-National-Stadium-Tokyo-1-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/New-National-Stadium-Tokyo-1-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/New-National-Stadium-Tokyo-1-510x383.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/New-National-Stadium-Tokyo-1.jpg 1056w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-27390\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The National Stadium of Japan is clearly visible from various parts of the city but we can&#8217;t wait to get inside and have a look. The 2021 Olympics can&#8217;t come soon enough!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Not everything in the news these days gives cause for optimism<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0but there is something about a\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Kengo<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Kuma s<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">tructure<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0that gives me hope for the future and makes me\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">believe<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0that our cities, houses, stadiums and shops can be\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">places of connectivity and sustainability<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. 2020 was due to be a banner year for Japan and the pinnacle of this was to be the Olympics and Paralympics<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">due to be showcased in a stunning new wooden stadium that Kuma designed<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. Both events<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0ha<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ve<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0now<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0been<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0delayed to an uncertain future in 2021<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0but\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Kuma is finding silver linings to this\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">changed date,\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201c<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">I feel that the postponement of the Olympics for one year is sending a message that people should wake up to and perceive the \u2018happiness of openness\u2019. Once people wake up to this fact, it will be time to gather and celebrate. I think that this period of one year should be used to learn about this new type of happiness.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_27386\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-27386\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-27386\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Sunny-Hills-Kengo-Kuma.jpg\" alt=\"Sunny Hills by Kengo Kuma\" width=\"500\" height=\"668\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Sunny-Hills-Kengo-Kuma.jpg 639w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Sunny-Hills-Kengo-Kuma-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Sunny-Hills-Kengo-Kuma-423x564.jpg 423w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Sunny-Hills-Kengo-Kuma-390x520.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Sunny-Hills-Kengo-Kuma-510x680.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-27386\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">As unique and interesting as the Sunny Hills building looks in pictures, there is no substitute for seeing it in person. An architecture tour of Tokyo is a great way to see the city even if you have only a passing interest in the subject because it gets you to interesting neighborhoods and lesser visited back streets.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">For me, this happiness is embodied by turning a corner <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">to see the crisscrossed beams of Sunny Hills (pictured<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0above<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">), enjoying a coffee<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0overlooking the Meguro River<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">at<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0the\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">Roastery, or\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">meandering towards the\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">Nezu<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\"> Museum down the bamboo-lined<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0entranceway (pictured below).\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_27389\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-27389\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-27389\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Nezu_Museum_Outside_access-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Nezu Museum \" width=\"500\" height=\"333\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Nezu_Museum_Outside_access-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Nezu_Museum_Outside_access-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Nezu_Museum_Outside_access-564x376.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Nezu_Museum_Outside_access-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Nezu_Museum_Outside_access-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Nezu_Museum_Outside_access-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Nezu_Museum_Outside_access-780x520.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Nezu_Museum_Outside_access-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Nezu_Museum_Outside_access.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-27389\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Some buildings are so symbolic of the architect who designed them that you can guess the architect without being told. For me, this entrance to the Nezu Museums screams Kengo Kuma and never gets old.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Japan has<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0an impressive list of\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pritzkerprize.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Pritzker award-winning architects<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">and an equally inspiring number of younger professionals who look well-poised to carry on the torch<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0of pioneering architecture<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0to future generations. But\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Kuma\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">is the<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0\u201cstarchitect\u201d<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0of the moment<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0and his global oeuvre is reshaping Japan\u2019s architectural face to the world.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you are lucky enough to have a KKAA work near you, we would love you to share<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0photos, videos<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0or stories of<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0it with us\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">here<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0or<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0by<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0tagging\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">social media posts <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">with <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">#InsideJapanTours<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. And if you <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">have plans to visit Japan in the future<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/about-us\/contact-us\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">get in touch with us<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0to hear about some of our favourite Kuma structures around\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">the country<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">*<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Q<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">uotes in this piece are\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">from\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/kkaa.co.jp\/newsletter\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Kengo<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0Kuma\u2019s newsletter<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0and have been published with direct consent from the KKAA Press Coordinator<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">**Quoted from\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">University of Tokyo course \u201c<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.edx.org\/course\/four-facets-of-contemporary-japanese-architectur-2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Four Facets of Contemporary Japanese Architecture: Theory<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4>Like this post? 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Help us by sharing it! Words by Tyler Palma and quotes from Kengo Kuma reprinted with permission Kengo Kuma has been in the news most recently as the designer of the new Japan National Stadium, the planned site for the Tokyo Olympics. But his prominence as one of the most significant and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":36,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_sitemap_exclude":false,"_sitemap_priority":"","_sitemap_frequency":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2367,2357],"tags":[4292,4584,4616,4619,4622,4625,4628,4631],"class_list":["post-27363","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-japanese-culture-and-history","category-japanese-wildlife-and-environment","tag-traditional-architecture-in-tokyo","tag-craftsman","tag-kengo-kuma","tag-japan-architecture","tag-new-national-stadium","tag-mao-zedong","tag-architect","tag-craft"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27363","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/36"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=27363"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27363\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":27479,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27363\/revisions\/27479"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=27363"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=27363"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=27363"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}