Sankirou: A Symbol of Mojiko’s Golden Age
Mojiko Port in Kitakyushu City has a storied history, having prospered for nearly half a century after being designated a special national export port in 1889. However, following World War II, the opening of the Kanmon Tunnel and the Shinkansen bypassing Moji led to the town’s decline. In recent years, based on the 1987 “Mojiko […]
Reflections on the World Japanese Garden Conference
The World Japanese Garden Conference I attended in Japan this past September was incredibly stimulating. Furthermore, meeting individuals involved in Japanese gardens across the United States, Mexico, China, and Japan is a valuable asset to me. The High Quality of Japanese Garden Creation and Maintenance Ueyakato Landscape in Kyoto is one of Japan’s top-tier landscape […]
The Greatness of Tree Shade
I’m heading back to Japan temporarily this month, and my only worry is the extreme heat. When I went back at the same time last year, I thought it was unbearably hot, but this year I hear it’s at a disaster level. It’s frightening. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, Japan recorded the hottest summer […]
Osaka Kansai Expo 2025 Architecture: The Future of Our External Environments
Architecture at the Osaka Kansai Expo 2025 was an experience brimming with creativity and innovation. This visit left a mark on my understanding of how spaces can profoundly impact us, both individually and collectively. It also affirmed my view on how spatial design can support human health and the earth. I am delighted with this […]
Deep Mountains and secluded valleys on Japanese gardens
When I design Japanese gardens, the image of “deep mountains and secluded valleys” (深山幽谷 – shinzan-yūkoku) particularly serves as a basis for my ideas, especially when considering stone arrangements. This evokes the scenery of remote mountain recesses and deep ravines, far from human habitation. This is not unique to me; it’s a design principle seen […]
