Purpose of Establishment

Japanese modern architecture occupies an important position in the arts and culture world, but for a long time there were no proper systems in place for passing on its academic, historic, and artistic value for future generations. We thus aim to prevent materials pertaining to Japanese modern architecture (e.g. drawings, models, etc.) from being damaged, scattered, or lost overseas by conducting nationwide surveys to locate these materials, coordinating with
institutions (e.g. universities) in possession of related materials, and acquiring and storing materials in urgent need of protection. Additionally, we strive to further public understanding of modern architecture and architectural materials
through making collection materials available for public viewing, organizing exhibitions, and conducting outreach activities.

 

Overview of Operations

1. Gathering information
2. Collecting, safekeeping, and displaying materials
3. Organizing exhibitions and educational outreach activities
4. Conducting surveys and research

 

Established

November 2012

Opened

May 2013

Founder

Agency for Cultural Affairs

 

Message from the Honorary Director

Architecture embodies people’s lifestyles, the character of the land, and daily life cultures, and it has a strong connection to society. Japanese architecture has followed a unique course of development particularly
since the early modern period, when the traditional wooden architecture was fused with architectural cultures of the West.
The National Archives of Modern Architecture was established with the purpose of sharing and passing down knowledge on this architectural culture of Japan that we proudly treasure.
Architecture cannot be created single-handedly. Works of value are only born when each of the various individuals and organizations involved̶from the clients to the designers and builders̶come to share a single vision through engaging in extensive dialogue with one another. Plans, models, and sketches are used as a means of communicating these visions.
Such architectural materials thus become precious historical records that can show us how our nation’s architectural culture has developed.
I sincerely hope that Japanese architectural culture will continue to grow ever richer as insights are drawn from the history that our predecessors built for us.

ANDO Tadao

 

Collection Policy

The Agency for Cultural Affairs collects materials pertaining to Japanese modern architecture which either are associated with highly regarded or epochal architectural works and architects or are indispensable to understanding Japanese modern architectural history and culture and which, furthermore, not only are important historically, artistically, and academically but also are in danger of being lost and must urgently be placed under national protection.

 

Major Collection

If you see the all collections, please refer the lower part of “visitor information” at “Visit the Archives”.

• SAKAKURA Junzo architectural plan collection
• Shibuya-ku rehabilitation project planned by IKEBE Kiyoshi collection
• YOSIZAKA Takamasa + Atelier U architectural plan collection
• Drop curtain
  “Bullfight no.14” designed by Le Corbusier(Former drop curtain at Shibuya pantheon theater)
• OTAKA Masato architectural plan collection
• KODOMO NO KUNI architetural relavant collection
• KIMURA Toshihiko structural design collection
• HIRATA Shigeo collection
• KISHIDA Hideto collection

(as of Jul. 2020)