A refined private residence designed by architect Kunio Maekawa, built under the difficult conditions of wartime. Its effective use of wood in the spatial composition is a must-see.
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Highlights
A refined private residence of architect Kunio Maekawa, built under the difficult conditions of wartime
Effective use of wood in the spatial composition
Design reflecting the influence of Le Corbusier
Architectural style that fuses Japanese and modernist elements
A valuable building to learn about the history of modern Japanese architecture
10-minute walk from the south exit of Musashi-Koganei Station on the JR Chuo Line.
5-minute walk from Koganei Koen Nishiguchi bus stop on the Seibu Bus Koganei Kaido Line. Show route
Op.Hours
9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Cld.Days
Mondays
Fee
Adults: ¥400, Seniors (65 and over): ¥200, Children (junior high school age and under): Free
INFO
Entry is permitted until 30 minutes before closing time. Photography is permitted, but tripods are prohibited. Food and beverages are only allowed in designated areas.
The Kunio Maekawa Residence is a house designed by Kunio Maekawa, a leading architect of modern Japanese architecture, as his own home. It was completed in 1942 in Kamiosaki, Shinagawa-ku. Built during the harsh conditions of wartime, it faced numerous challenges, including material procurement and construction restrictions. However, Maekawa successfully expressed his architectural philosophy within these limitations.
This building is characterized by its simple yet refined design and effective use of wood in its spatial composition. At the time, materials such as reinforced concrete were in short supply, making wood the primary building material. Maekawa achieved a bright and open space through a structure and design that leveraged the properties of wood.
Furthermore, the large opening from the entrance to the living room and the high ceiling allow ample sunlight to flood the space. This represents the open space that Maekawa aimed for amidst the oppressive atmosphere of wartime.
The Kunio Maekawa Residence is a valuable building where one can learn about the history of modern Japanese architecture. Its refined design, which remains relevant even today despite being built under difficult wartime conditions, showcases the architect's talent. The architectural style, a fusion of traditional Japanese architecture and modernism, reveals the depth of Japanese architectural culture.
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