A lineup of famous Japanese architectural masterpieces you’ll want to visit on your travels!
“Illustrated Architectural Stroll: Original Art Exhibition” Opens at the Osaka Prefectural Nakanoshima Library on Wednesday, October 18
On Sunday, October 29, a talk event will be held featuring illustrator and writer Hiroshi Miyazawa, guide Takao Nishizawa (NIKKEN SEKKEI), and Minori Kai, who also served as a consultant for the TV drama “Lunch at Famous Architectural Landmarks (Tokyo Edition).”
PRESS RELEASE
2023.09.28
Nikken Sekkei Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: President and CEO: Atsushi Ohmatsu) co-hosted the “Illustrated Stroll Through Famous Architecture: Original Art Exhibition” held at the Osaka Prefectural Nakanoshima Library.
This event features the original illustrations by artist and writer Hiroshi Miyazawa, which appeared in the serialized column “Illustrated Stroll Through Famous Architecture” on Nikken Group note (a web media platform) and were published in June 2023 as *Introduction to Heritage Architecture: The Charm of “Living Masterpieces” as Seen Through Illustrations*.Additionally, on Sunday, October 29, we will host a talk event featuring Hiroshi Miyazawa, Takao Nishizawa (Nikken Sekkei) as the moderator, and Minori Kai, a writer who also served as a consultant for the TV drama *Lunch at Famous Architectural Sites (Tokyo Edition)*.
This event features the original illustrations by artist and writer Hiroshi Miyazawa, which appeared in the serialized column “Illustrated Stroll Through Famous Architecture” on Nikken Group note (a web media platform) and were published in June 2023 as *Introduction to Heritage Architecture: The Charm of “Living Masterpieces” as Seen Through Illustrations*.Additionally, on Sunday, October 29, we will host a talk event featuring Hiroshi Miyazawa, Takao Nishizawa (Nikken Sekkei) as the moderator, and Minori Kai, a writer who also served as a consultant for the TV drama *Lunch at Famous Architectural Sites (Tokyo Edition)*.
"Illustrated Architectural Stroll: Original Art Exhibition" Event Overview
■Dates: Wednesday, October 18, 2023 – Friday, November 17, 2023
*Closed on Sundays and national holidays; however, the museum will be open on Sunday, October 29, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
■Hours: 9:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. (Saturdays: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.)
■Venue: Osaka Prefectural Nakanoshima Library, 3rd Floor Exhibition Room (1-2-10 Nakanoshima, Kita-ku, Osaka City)
■URL: https://www.nakanoshima-library.jp/event/
*Closed on Sundays and national holidays; however, the museum will be open on Sunday, October 29, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
■Hours: 9:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. (Saturdays: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.)
■Venue: Osaka Prefectural Nakanoshima Library, 3rd Floor Exhibition Room (1-2-10 Nakanoshima, Kita-ku, Osaka City)
■URL: https://www.nakanoshima-library.jp/event/
About the Nikken Group note Series “Illustrated Strolls Through Famous Architectural Landmarks”
Until now, there has been a tendency to replace Japan’s modern and contemporary historic buildings with entirely new, efficient structures through a process of “tear down and rebuild.” This is because such buildings are considered less comfortable and less earthquake-resistant than modern structures, require ongoing maintenance to address deterioration, and have been viewed as a “burden” by their owners.
However, thanks to modern architectural technologies—such as seismic isolation—it has become possible to update 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 rich lifestyle that coexists with 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 illustrator and writer Hiroshi Miyazawa to create the artwork and text. Together with Takao Nishizawa of Nikken Sekkei’s Heritage Business Lab—a specialized team focused on the dynamic preservation and renovation of historic buildings—we formed an unlikely duo and visited 20 architectural sites stretching from Hakodate in the north to Yahata in the south.In June 2023, we published a book compiling the content of this series, titled *Introduction to Heritage Architecture: The Charm of “Living Masterpieces” as Seen Through Illustrations*.
However, thanks to modern architectural technologies—such as seismic isolation—it has become possible to update 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 rich lifestyle that coexists with 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 illustrator and writer Hiroshi Miyazawa to create the artwork and text. Together with Takao Nishizawa of Nikken Sekkei’s Heritage Business Lab—a specialized team focused on the dynamic preservation and renovation of historic buildings—we formed an unlikely duo and visited 20 architectural sites stretching from Hakodate in the north to Yahata in the south.In June 2023, we published a book compiling the content of this series, titled *Introduction to Heritage Architecture: The Charm of “Living Masterpieces” as Seen Through Illustrations*.
About the “Illustrated Architectural Stroll: Original Art Exhibition”
In addition to displaying the original illustrations by artist and writer Hiroshi Miyazawa, this exhibition will feature a talk event on Sunday, October 29, with Hiroshi Miyazawa, host Takao Nishizawa, and Minori Kai, a writer who also served as a consultant for the TV drama *Lunch at Famous Architectural Landmarks (Tokyo Edition)*, as the host. We hope that many people will come to see Mr. Miyazawa’s humorous illustrations, and we look forward to working together with you all to further enhance the appeal of a mature Japan and foster the flourishing of its culture.
Overview of the Talk Event on Sunday, October 29
日建グループnote連載の「イラスト名建築ぶらり旅」と書籍『はじめてのヘリテージ建築 絵で読む「生きた名建築」の魅力』の取材・イラスト・文を手掛けた宮沢洋氏、案内役の西澤崇雄（日建設計ヘリテージビジネスラボ）、文筆家でありドラマ「名建築で昼食を（東京編）」で監修も手がけた甲斐みのり氏によるトークイベントを開催します。
日時：2023年10月29日（日）10:30～12:00 （受付は10:00）
入場料：無料
定員：60名
会場：大阪府立中之島図書館 3階 多目的スペース2
主催：株式会社 日建設計
協力：大阪府立中之島図書館 指定管理者ShoPro・長谷工・TRC共同事業体
申し込み方法：お電話・Mailにて承ります。
TEL：06-6203-0474（図書館代表）/ Mail：eventyoyaku@nakanoshima-library.jp
「名建築ぶらり旅トークイベント希望の旨、参加人数、全員の氏名、代表者の電話番号」をお知らせください。
・ 咳エチケットのご配慮をお願いいたします。
・ ふた付の水筒・ペットボトルのみお持ち込みいただけます。
・ 体調がすぐれない場合は参加をご遠慮ください。
日時：2023年10月29日（日）10:30～12:00 （受付は10:00）
入場料：無料
定員：60名
会場：大阪府立中之島図書館 3階 多目的スペース2
主催：株式会社 日建設計
協力：大阪府立中之島図書館 指定管理者ShoPro・長谷工・TRC共同事業体
申し込み方法：お電話・Mailにて承ります。
TEL：06-6203-0474（図書館代表）/ Mail：eventyoyaku@nakanoshima-library.jp
「名建築ぶらり旅トークイベント希望の旨、参加人数、全員の氏名、代表者の電話番号」をお知らせください。
・ 咳エチケットのご配慮をお願いいたします。
・ ふた付の水筒・ペットボトルのみお持ち込みいただけます。
・ 体調がすぐれない場合は参加をご遠慮ください。
Using the "Tsuna-ki" wood-based units to create a sustainable exhibition setup
For this exhibition, we aim to create a display that generates as little waste as possible, and will use “Tsuna-ki,” a transformable wooden unit developed by Nikken Wood Lab.
Tsunagi is typically assembled by connecting separate pieces of wood with metal clamps to form a structure suited to its intended purpose; however, for this exhibition, young architects at Nikken Sekkei developed a new Tsunagi display stand.
This Tsunagi display stand is a pre-assembled, foldable unit; when in use, it simply unfolds to become a display stand, requiring no on-site assembly. Furthermore, when not in use, it can be folded down into a compact size without being disassembled. When folded, it takes on a stable shape resembling a large board, making it suitable for transportation.It is expected to be utilized in various exhibitions and other events in the future.
Tsunagi is typically assembled by connecting separate pieces of wood with metal clamps to form a structure suited to its intended purpose; however, for this exhibition, young architects at Nikken Sekkei developed a new Tsunagi display stand.
This Tsunagi display stand is a pre-assembled, foldable unit; when in use, it simply unfolds to become a display stand, requiring no on-site assembly. Furthermore, when not in use, it can be folded down into a compact size without being disassembled. When folded, it takes on a stable shape resembling a large board, making it suitable for transportation.It is expected to be utilized in various exhibitions and other events in the future.
Image of a Transformable Wooden Display Stand
About the Book
overview
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)
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 Eiko 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
Illustration: Hiroshi Miyazawa (illustrator and writer)
Illustrator, writer, 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. 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 established BUNGA NET Inc. His published works include *The Kengo Kuma Architecture Encyclopedia*, *Nikken Sekkei: What No One Knows*, *Architecture of Japan: 53 Aquariums Illustrated*,*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’ is possible in this age of digital dominance is a testament to the value of analog. Though the drawings are small, please enjoy the vivid colors and the way the colored markers bleed.”
From Mr. Miyazawa: “The fact that an ‘original artwork exhibition’ is possible in this age of digital dominance is a testament to the value 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 projects. 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 utilization exudes a charm not found in modern buildings and even has the power to make cities more attractive.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 utilization exudes a charm not found in modern buildings and even has the power to make cities more attractive.With the help of these captivating illustrations, we will continue to promote a culture of heritage revitalization!”
Contact Information / Media Inquiry
株式会社日建設計 広報室 TEL：03-5226-3030（代表） E-mail：webmaster@nikken.jp
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.”
SHARE
