Architecture, a place to be loved

The Japan Foundation will organize the Japan Pavilion at the 18th International Venice Architecture Biennale, which will take place from May 20 to November 26, 2023. With architect Maki Onishi serving as curator and Yuki Hyakuda as deputy curator, co-directors of the architecture office o+h, this year’s Japan Pavilion will shine a spotlight on the Japan Pavilion itself, the representative work of architect Takamasa Yoshizaka, in an exhibition titled Architecture, a place to be loved.

Takamasa Yoshizaka, who studied under Wajiro Kon and modern architecture pioneer Le Corbusier, was active from the post-war reconstruction period until 1980. The Japan Pavilion, Yoshizaka’s masterpiece, was completed in 1956 and has served as a base for introducing Japan’s art and architecture to the rest of the world for over half a century. In this exhibition, team members with expertise in diverse fields that include not only architecture but also textiles, ceramics, design, editing, metal work, and animation, will consider the architecture of the Japan Pavilion itself, designed by Yoshizaka, as the focus of various exhibits based on Architecture, a place to be loved, a theme that Onishi and Hyakuda have pursued for many years.

The tent roof attached to the building facade; the mobiles hanging from the apertures; the piloti space serving as a bar-like resting area where people can intersect; the animated works projected onto the structural wall, which is essential to any discussion about the characteristics of the Japan Pavilion, in addition to the models, fixtures, re-edited books and other objects on display inside, made in response to the concept and forms of the building—through the design of the space and exhibits, a diverse range of creators have taken a thoughtful look at the Japan Pavilion to create a space where visitors can consider the meaning of Architecture, a place to be loved.

In addition, talks, workshops , and various other events will be held throughout the exhibition period with the aim of ensuring that the Japan Pavilion continues to be nurtured as a living place.

Before the exhibition opens to the public, a pre-opening will be held on May 18 and 19, 2023. An opening reception will also be held on May 18 at the Japan Pavilion.

About the commissioner
The Japan Foundation (JF) is Japan's only institution dedicated to carrying out comprehensive international cultural exchange programs throughout the world. The Japan Foundation was established in October 1972 as a special legal entity supervised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In October 2003, it was reorganized as an incorporated administrative agency. The Japan Foundation has 25 overseas offices in 24 countries. To cultivate friendship and ties between Japan and the world, the Japan Foundation creates global opportunities to foster friendship, trust, and mutual understanding through culture, language, and dialogue.

Read the full press release here.

Access to the press kit: fill out the form and get the download link. Press inquiries and further information: Yoshiko Nawa (Relay Relay LLP), venezia@jpf.go.jp.