Source: Peatix

Seminar & Talk Session @Shibuya
From local to global: How sustainable can Japanese architecture be?

As I studied and broadened my horizons in Europe, I strongly felt that there was a lot of wonderful architecture in Japan.
Wooden architecture, kumite techniques, bio-based materials - Japan already has the appeal that has captured the world's attention.
This time, we will be discussing with you how Japan will build and promote sustainable architecture from the perspective of four guests who are deeply involved with overseas projects!

I also hope that this will be helpful for young people who are looking to connect with overseas countries in the future.

□ Ikeda Saeko → <She has experience working overseas and will be active in Japan while making use of that experience!>
Born in Fukuoka Prefecture in 1984, he joined Maeda Corporation in 2009. He has been involved in a wide range of design work, from offices and medical facilities to arenas. He has been seconded to OMA in the US since 2019 and to Eric Parry Architects in the UK since 2023, where he has learned global design methods. He is currently the Chief Architect of Maeda Corporation's Design Strategy Department, where he works with overseas architects and is involved in retrofit projects that utilize his experience in Europe, focusing on adding high added value to existing buildings.

□ Kitamura Hirotoshi → <Having mastered traditional Japanese techniques, he is now attracting offers from overseas>
Born in Tottori in 1979, after graduating from high school he studied traditional construction methods, temple and shrine architecture, and old house restoration in Nara Prefecture and various other regions, before establishing "Soushin" in his hometown of Tottori Prefecture in 2008. He works as a team to incorporate the fusion and harmony of traditional construction methods and timber frame work from old house restoration with European environmental architecture.

□ Tomonori Makita →〈While working at an environmental consulting firm in Denmark, he has worked on numerous projects in Japan!〉
Henrik-innovation Senior Engineer. Air engineer. Consultant specializing in environmental facilities, sustainability, and biodiversity. Danish environmental engineering firm. Recently, he won the competition for the glamping facility "Hygge Circles Ugakei by Nordisk" in Inabe City, Mie Prefecture, and is active globally.

□ Yoshihiro Sato → <Has never lived or studied abroad. Travels abroad and works in teams with local partners>
Born in 1984 in Akita Prefecture. He runs his atelier, "Morkus Architecture," in Misato, Akita Prefecture. He is a self-taught architect, and was greatly influenced by the sustainable architecture of Switzerland and Austria. He founded "KANSO-BAU" with Noriaki Ikeda of Germany and Schär Sascha of Switzerland. His awards include the Grand Prize at the 1st Japan Eco-House Awards 2015, the Grand Prize in the Housing Category at the 18th JIA Environmental Architecture Awards, and the Wood Future Award at the 16th Wooden Architecture Awards.

[Date]
February 5, 2026 18:30-21:00
18:00 Doors open
18:30 Seminar and talk event
20:00 Social gathering - End
*Alcoholic drinks will be available at the social gathering on a cash-on-delivery basis.

【subject】
Anyone interested in traditional techniques and sustainable architecture, people interested in experiencing life abroad, people thinking about building a house, students studying architecture or design, etc. is welcome!

【Entry fee】
General admission: 3,000 yen
Students: Free
*As the venue is limited, registration will close once capacity is reached.
*Please note that there will be no online distribution.

【Contact Us】
e-mail: info@molx.co.jp

Venue