Modern Japanese Architecture
After the end of World War II, Japan was in a dire state. All major industrial cities were destroyed, the centers of Tokyo and Osaka were heavily bombed, and Hiroshima and Nagasaki were almost wiped off the face of the Earth by atomic explosions. Against this backdrop, modern Japanese architecture began to flourish. In the first half of the 20th century, the Japanese had actively studied abroad under outstanding Western masters, such as Le Corbusier. Now, the next generation of Japanese architects had the opportunity to create a new look for Japanese cities.
Modern Japanese Style in Architecture
In 1954, the German architect Walter Gropius, during a visit to Japan, wrote to Le Corbusier: “Dear Corbu! Everything we strive for can also be found in Japanese culture. The traditional Japanese house is the best and most modern thing I have seen.” However, the goal of Japanese architects at that time was the reintegration of the country into the global community, and by the early 1950s, Japan became known as the birthplace of prominent avant-garde architects. From this period, Japanese design and architectural projects were discussed and copied, inspiring Western followers. The modern Japanese style in architecture has largely been shaped by the following architects:
Kenzo Tange
A follower of Le Corbusier, Tange played a crucial role in the reconstruction of Hiroshima after the bombings and the creation of the Peace Memorial Complex. He laid the foundations for the Metabolism movement, an architectural trend that combines ideas of megastructures with biological growth and change. His buildings became landmarks in Japan’s development. Notable examples include the Yoyogi National Gymnasium for the 1964 Olympics, the master plan and buildings for Expo ’70 in Osaka, and St. Mary’s Cathedral in Tokyo. In addition to his active involvement in teaching and urban planning, Tange became the first Japanese architect to receive the Pritzker Prize in 1987.


Arata Isozaki
Isozaki began his architectural career under Kenzo Tange, who continued to value his pupil even after Isozaki left the company. He extended the influence of modern Japanese architecture to several iconic 20th-century buildings both within and outside Japan. Initially working in the modernist style, Isozaki later developed his own approach, based on the use of clean forms, space, and postmodern ideas. His notable works, which earned him the 2019 Pritzker Prize, include the Art Tower Mito, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles, and the National Library of Qatar.
Kisho Kurokawa
A dedicated follower of the Metabolism movement, Kurokawa is the architect behind one of the most symbolic projects in modern Japanese architecture: the Nakagin Capsule Tower. This building consists of 140 capsules that can be used as offices or small apartments for those who need to live in the city center. Kurokawa envisioned that the capsules could be rearranged, with new modules added and old ones replaced as they aged. In Russia, Kurokawa’s firm designed the Krestovsky Stadium, which became the home stadium of FC Zenit..


Tadao Ando
Tadao Ando is a self-taught architect. His family could not afford a university education, so he had to acquire all his knowledge independently. Nevertheless, he developed a recognizable style, comparable to the effect of haiku poetry. Ando emphasizes the void in space and the beauty of simplicity. He integrated Japanese elements into a European context, as seen in the Pulitzer Arts Foundation building and the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. Ando is also known for his work with light, with the Church of the Light in Osaka being his best-known example.
Kengo Kuma
Kengo Kuma can be considered the most “Japanese” of all Japanese architects. He focuses on reviving the traditions of Japanese homes and historical crafts, while also providing contemporary interpretations. His works feature a blend of wood, glass, and stone, mixing traditional elements with modern technology and natural materials. This approach has won admiration worldwide. His clients include the Japanese government, global brands, and private individuals, and his portfolio ranges from Starbucks cafes to the stadium for the 2020 Olympic Games.


Shigeru Ban
Shigeru Ban may not be the trendiest architect, but his work has led to a reevaluation of architecture’s social role and environmental sustainability. His significant contribution to architectural innovation and philanthropy earned him the 2014 Pritzker Prize. Ban’s goal is not just to create aesthetically pleasing architecture but to use it to help those in need, providing quick and effective shelter for refugees and victims of natural disasters. He has designed housing for disaster victims worldwide, with one of his most famous buildings being the Cardboard Cathedral in Christchurch.
Toyo Ito
Toyo Ito’s work is distinguished by a combination of minimalism and technological sophistication, enhanced by recognizable elements of both traditional and modern Japanese architecture. He emphasizes the human element and its needs, designing buildings to provide freedom and comfort for human activity. Ito has developed both commercial projects for offices and stores of popular brands, as well as social institutions. One of his most famous works, the Sendai Mediatheque, exemplifies this. Its lightness and transparency are deceptive—the building can withstand even the strongest earthquakes thanks to its innovative construction.

Japanese Architecture in the Modern World
Thanks to the above-mentioned architects, modern Japanese architecture is almost instantly recognizable in photographs. They have had a tremendous impact on shaping the visual identity of the modern world and influencing architectural trends. It is difficult to imagine our cities without minimalism, the interplay of light and shadow, concrete, and the strict geometry of lines.