JAPAN TIMES


Japanese architectural practice — known to balance Western innovations, while preserving its unique traditional techniques and aesthetic — has attracted students, experts and fans for centuries.

But while it appeals to an international audience, some believe that Japan still lacks “architectural discourse,” often due to language barriers and difficulties in accessing overseas works and influence.

“Japanese Junction” is a platform to help stimulate that discourse and showcase the work of international students studying architecture in Japan and Japanese students studying abroad.

Since 2010, Japanese Junction, now in its sixth edition, has exhibited 90 projects from 12 different countries. The exhibition displays design drawings, models, CG-rendered images and videos, inviting comments from students, renowned architects and critics, inspiring artists and members of other creative industries. On Dec. 23, a lecture will also be held with two guest speakers — Tokyo-based Issei Suma, who transformed a rural farmhouse into a modern IT office, and

Hamburg-based Tatsuya Kawahara whose work is designed to change our perception of space. (Magdalena Osumi)

“Japanese Junction” runs at the Nikken Sekkei gallery in Tokyo’s Chiyoda Ward. A project review takes place on Dec. 22 (6-9:30 p.m.) and the “Emerging Trajectories” lecture is on Dec. 23 (6-9 p.m.). For more information, visit the website.

Website

http://japanesejunction.jp