A lineup of Japan’s famous architectural landmarks you’ll want to visit on your travels!
“Illustrated Stroll Through Famous Architecture” Original Art Exhibition Opens June 19
~A travel diary by artist and writer Hiroshi Miyazawa, exploring sustainable, historic architectural masterpieces with ties to Nikken Sekkei—including the Nakanoshima Library, which has remained in active use for over a century.~
PRESS RELEASE
2023.05.30
Nikken Sekkei Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Atsushi Omatsu; President and CEO) will host an exhibition of original illustrations by artist and writer Hiroshi Miyazawa to commemorate the publication of a book based on the “Illustrated Stroll Through Famous Architecture” series, which has been serialized on the Nikken Group’s “note” (web media).
"Illustrated Architectural Stroll: Original Art Exhibition" Event Overview
■Dates: June 19 (Mon) – July 14 (Fri), 2023 (Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays)
■Hours: 9:10 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
■Venue: Nikken Sekkei Tokyo Building, 1st Floor Gallery and 2nd Floor Exhibition Space (2-18-3 Iidabashi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo)
■Hours: 9:10 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
■Venue: Nikken Sekkei Tokyo Building, 1st Floor Gallery and 2nd Floor Exhibition Space (2-18-3 Iidabashi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo)
About the Nikken Group note Series “Illustrated Strolls Through Famous Architectural Landmarks”
Until now, there has been a tendency to replace historic buildings from Japan’s modern and contemporary periods with entirely new, efficient structures through a process of “tear down and rebuild.” This is because such buildings—compared to modern ones—are considered less comfortable and less earthquake-resistant, require ongoing maintenance to address deterioration, and have been viewed by their owners as a “burden.”
However, thanks to modern architectural technologies—such as seismic isolation—it has become possible to upgrade these buildings functionally without compromising the charm that can only be accumulated over time. As a result, old buildings are no longer merely objects of admiration; they now hold new potential as vessels that support our daily lives.
Driven by a desire to raise awareness of these possibilities and promote a fulfilling lifestyle lived alongside historic buildings, I launched the serialized series “Illustrated Strolls Through Famous Architecture” on the online platform note in 2020.To make the series accessible to a wide audience, I commissioned artist Haku Bunka and Hiroshi Miyazawa to create the illustrations and text. Together with Takao Nishizawa of Nikken Sekkei’s Heritage Business Lab—a team specializing in the dynamic preservation and renovation planning of historic buildings—we formed an unlikely duo and toured 20 architectural sites stretching from Hakodate in the north to Fukuoka in the south.
Now that it has been decided to publish a book based on this series, we have decided to hold an exhibition of the original illustrations to commemorate the occasion. I hope that many people will have the opportunity to see Mr. Miyazawa’s humorous illustrations, and I look forward to working together with all of you to enhance the appeal of a mature Japan and foster the flourishing of its culture.
However, thanks to modern architectural technologies—such as seismic isolation—it has become possible to upgrade these buildings functionally without compromising the charm that can only be accumulated over time. As a result, old buildings are no longer merely objects of admiration; they now hold new potential as vessels that support our daily lives.
Driven by a desire to raise awareness of these possibilities and promote a fulfilling lifestyle lived alongside historic buildings, I launched the serialized series “Illustrated Strolls Through Famous Architecture” on the online platform note in 2020.To make the series accessible to a wide audience, I commissioned artist Haku Bunka and Hiroshi Miyazawa to create the illustrations and text. Together with Takao Nishizawa of Nikken Sekkei’s Heritage Business Lab—a team specializing in the dynamic preservation and renovation planning of historic buildings—we formed an unlikely duo and toured 20 architectural sites stretching from Hakodate in the north to Fukuoka in the south.
Now that it has been decided to publish a book based on this series, we have decided to hold an exhibition of the original illustrations to commemorate the occasion. I hope that many people will have the opportunity to see Mr. Miyazawa’s humorous illustrations, and I look forward to working together with all of you to enhance the appeal of a mature Japan and foster the flourishing of its culture.
Featured Buildings (in alphabetical order)
Akita City Cultural Creation Center, Ibaraki Prefectural Library, Yurakuen and Joan,Osaka Prefectural Nakanoshima Library, Kyoto City Hall, the Atomic Bomb Dome, the Main Building and Forecourt of the National Museum of Western Art, the National Diet Library International Children’s Library, THE HIRAMATSU Kyoto, Shinjuku Sumitomo Building Triangle Plaza, Takarazuka Hotel, Chubu Electric Power MIRAI TOWER (Nagoya TV Tower),Tokyo Metro Ginza Station, Kobe Eikō Church of the United Church of Christ in Japan, Nippon Steel Kyushu Works, Hakodate Orthodox Church, Hachikatsukan, Former Imperial Palace Nijo Castle, Murin-an, Yonago City Public Hall
Sustainable exhibition design. Using “Tsunagi,” a wooden modular system based on the principle of “not discarding used materials,” we’ve created a unique and warm exhibition space.
After the exhibition, with the goal of creating a display that “doesn’t waste materials,” young architects at Nikken Sekkei—with 1 to 5 years of experience—explored new exhibition methods using “Tsunagi,” a transformable wooden unit developed by Nikken Wood Lab. We hope you’ll enjoy this as well.
About the Book
Title: *Introduction to Heritage Architecture: Discovering the Charm of “Living Masterpieces” Through Illustrations*
Author: Hiroshi Miyazawa (Illustrations and Text)
Research Cooperation: Nikken Sekkei Heritage Business Lab
Publisher: Nikkei BP
Publication Date: June 19, 2023
Price: 2,420 yen (tax included)
Author: Hiroshi Miyazawa (Illustrations and Text)
Research Cooperation: Nikken Sekkei Heritage Business Lab
Publisher: Nikkei BP
Publication Date: June 19, 2023
Price: 2,420 yen (tax included)
Illustration: Hiroshi Miyazawa (illustrator and writer)
Illustrator, editor, and CEO and Editor-in-Chief of BUNGA NET.
Born in Tokyo in 1967. In 1990, he graduated from the Department of Political Science, Faculty of Political Science and Economics, at Waseda University, and joined Nikkei BP Co., Ltd. He was assigned to the editorial department of Nikkei Architecture. From 2016 to 2019, he served as Editor-in-Chief of Nikkei Architecture. In 2020, he became independent and co-founded Office Bunga with Tatsuo Iso.In 2021, he founded BUNGA NET Inc. His publications include *The Kengo Kuma Architecture Encyclopedia*, *Nikken Sekkei: What No One Knows*, *Architecture of Japan’s Aquariums: 53 Stops, Illustrated*, and *CineDra: Architectural Explorations*.Co-authored works include the *Architectural Pilgrimage* series (with Tatsuo Iso) and *Understanding Modernist Architecture Through Illustrations and Text* (with Terunobu Fujimori), among others.
From Mr. Miyazawa: “The fact that an ‘original artwork exhibition’ can be held in this digital age is a testament to the power of analog. Though the drawings are small, please enjoy the vivid colors and the way the colored markers bleed.”
Born in Tokyo in 1967. In 1990, he graduated from the Department of Political Science, Faculty of Political Science and Economics, at Waseda University, and joined Nikkei BP Co., Ltd. He was assigned to the editorial department of Nikkei Architecture. From 2016 to 2019, he served as Editor-in-Chief of Nikkei Architecture. In 2020, he became independent and co-founded Office Bunga with Tatsuo Iso.In 2021, he founded BUNGA NET Inc. His publications include *The Kengo Kuma Architecture Encyclopedia*, *Nikken Sekkei: What No One Knows*, *Architecture of Japan’s Aquariums: 53 Stops, Illustrated*, and *CineDra: Architectural Explorations*.Co-authored works include the *Architectural Pilgrimage* series (with Tatsuo Iso) and *Understanding Modernist Architecture Through Illustrations and Text* (with Terunobu Fujimori), among others.
From Mr. Miyazawa: “The fact that an ‘original artwork exhibition’ can be held in this digital age is a testament to the power of analog. Though the drawings are small, please enjoy the vivid colors and the way the colored markers bleed.”
Guide to Famous Architectural Landmarks: Takao Nishizawa
Engineering Department, Nikken Sekkei; Sustainable Design Group, Heritage Business Lab Director; Facility Consultant. Ph.D. in Engineering. Born in Osaka Prefecture in 1966. Joined Nikken Sekkei in 1992 after completing a master’s program at Nagoya University.His areas of expertise are structural design and seismic engineering. Drawing on his extensive experience in seismic retrofitting of buildings of high historical value, he is responsible for structural design practice. Since 2016, he has been leading the Heritage Business team.
From Nishizawa: “I’d like to introduce examples of heritage utilization—projects in which Nikken Sekkei has been involved in some capacity—that we wish to pass on to future generations. While heritage sites can be challenging to maintain and often lack sufficient seismic resistance, their revitalization exudes a charm not found in modern buildings and even has the power to enhance the appeal of a city.
With the help of these captivating illustrations, we will continue to promote a culture of heritage revitalization!”
From Nishizawa: “I’d like to introduce examples of heritage utilization—projects in which Nikken Sekkei has been involved in some capacity—that we wish to pass on to future generations. While heritage sites can be challenging to maintain and often lack sufficient seismic resistance, their revitalization exudes a charm not found in modern buildings and even has the power to enhance the appeal of a city.
With the help of these captivating illustrations, we will continue to promote a culture of heritage revitalization!”
About Nikken Sekkei
Nikken Sekkei is a professional services firm engaged in architectural and civil engineering design and supervision, urban design, and related survey, planning, and consulting services.For 120 years since our founding in 1900, we have been committed to creating value through “Social and Environmental Design,” which seeks solutions to both apparent and latent social issues, in order to meet the needs of society and the diverse requests of our clients.To date, we have been involved in a wide range of projects in Japan, China, ASEAN, and the Middle East, and in recent years, we have expanded our operations to India and Europe. In March 2021, we issued a “Climate Emergency Declaration” as part of our efforts toward a decarbonized society.
NIKKEN SEKKEI Engineering Department About the Sustainable Design Group and Heritage Business Lab
The Heritage Business Lab is a division that specializes in conservation and renovation design aimed at the dynamic preservation of historic buildings—including modern and contemporary architecture—by leveraging Nikken Sekkei’s extensive experience in architectural design and project management for steel-frame and concrete structures, accumulated over many years. It was established in 2020 following the internal “Discover Peaks Competition.”
Contact Information / Media Inquiry
株式会社日建設計 広報室 Tel. 03-5226-3030 e-mail：webmaster@nikken.jp
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