Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art 1st Anniversary Exhibition
Modern Architecture in Kyoto
2021/9/25-2021/12/26
Venue [ Higashiyama Cube ]
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Many examples of significant architecture appeared in Kyoto as the city re-emerged from a period of decline following transfer of the national capital from Kyoto to Tokyo at the beginning of the Meiji Period (1868 – 1912). Kyoto subsequently took a leading role in the fields of education and advanced technology, culture and tourism. Fortunately, many ‘modernist’ structures, both Western-style and modern Japanese, remain to this day and give Kyoto an important position in the representation of Japan’s modernization. With rich experience in the preservation of historically important architecture, Kyoto is a living architecture museum displaying many types of ancient and pre-modern traditional Japanese architecture side by side with modern and contemporary buildings.
This first large-scale architecture exhibition at the Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art, itself a noteworthy example of Kyoto modern architecture, offers visitors the opportunity to become familiar with Kyoto through the city’s architecture. A variety of materials, including rare original drawings, models, furniture, photographs, and films conveying the spirit of this particular time of history will be on display. Moreover, walking tours arranged during the exhibition period will make it possible to explore the city and experience the architecture, gardens, and charm of Kyoto.
Information
- Period
- September 25 (Sat) – December 26 (Sun), 2021
- Time
- 10:00‐18:00
- Venue
- Higashiyama Cube
- Closed on
- Mondays, except public holidays.
- Admission
- Adults ¥1,900 (Advance ¥1,700)
University students ¥1,400 (Advance ¥1,200)
High school students ¥900 (Advance ¥700)
Elementary and junior high school students ¥400 (Advance ¥200)
*Admission is free for elementary and junior high school students studying in Kyoto.
*Admission is free for those with disabilities (with valid disability certificates).
*Advance Ticket (on sale until September 24)
- Organizers: Modern Architecture in Kyoto Exhibition Executive Committee (City of Kyoto, Kyoto Shimbun, NHK Kyoto Station, Kyoto Broadcasting System Company Limited)
- Supervision: Ishida Junichiro (Professor Emeritus, Kyoto Institute of Technology)
- Project Plan: Maeda Naotake (Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art)
- Advisors: Yamagata Masaaki (Professor Emeritus, Osaka University of Arts), Nakagawa Osamu (Professor Emeritus, Kyoto Institute of Technology), Taji Takahiro (Professor, Kyoto University), Nakajima Setsuko (Professor, Kyoto University), Kurakata Shunsuke (Associate Professor, Osaka City University), Kono Ryohei (Associate Professor, Kyoto Tachibana University), Kasahara Kazuto (Assistant Professor, Kyoto Institute of Technology), Miyake Takuya (Assistant Professor, Kyoto Institute of Technology), Ishikawa Yuichi (Engineer, Kyoto City Cultural Properties Protection Division)
- Sponsorship: SHIMIZU CORPORATION, NIPPON KANZAI Co., Ltd., MATSUMURA-GUMI CORPORATION Cooperation: CAPA,Inc.
- Supported by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan, Fiscal Year 2021
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Modern Architecture in Kyoto- three point focus
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a post-COVID context An emphasis on renewal
1. Why ‘Modern Architecture’ Now?The constant post-war cycle of demolition and rebuilding in the interest of rational efficiency was gradually damaging the age-old historic appeal of cities. In recent years, the preservation and use of historic buildings has in contrast come to be viewed as key to achieving both economic robustness and distinctive cityscapes. Kyoto’s preservation and use of modern architecture has gained attention as representative of a sustainable future where tradition and innovation coexist.
2. 50 Year Benchmark
Japan’s National Registration of Tangible Cultural Properties system protects buildings that are over 50 years old and of historical importance. Modern Architecture in Kyoto introduces a selection of 36 projects dating from 1868 to early 1970’s that are presented in the book accompanying the exhibition Modern Architecture in Kyoto 100.
3. Kyoto - Living Architecture Museum
Along with a focus on architectural history and architects, Modern Architecture in Kyoto considers the social context of the times and the human relationship with the buildings. Viewers will learn about Kyoto architecture from the exhibition and will also be able to experience the ‘living architecture’ of Kyoto in guided walking tours.
Seven Themed Sections, 36 Projects
Carefully selected projects introducing extant Meiji (1868-1912), Taisho (1912-1926), and Showa (1926-1989) period buildings and related important materials.
Section 1 Revitalization of the Ancient City in the Modern Era
Kyoto prospered as the seat of the Imperial Court for over 1000 years, starting from the Heian period (794-1185), with aristocratic families as well as feudal lords present until the city’s decline with the transfer of the national capital to Tokyo at the beginning of the Meiji period (1868-1912). Official and private groups worked together on reconstruction in the Meiji period, with education and industry as driving forces. In this section, projects are introduced that symbolize the revitalization of Kyoto through incorporation of Western ideas and technology.
Exhibits:
The Fourth National Industrial Exhibition and Heian Jingu Shrine
Lake Biwa Canal and Former Imperial Palace Waterway Pump Station
Meirin Elementary School (Current Kyoto Art Center)
Former Kawaramachi Headquarters of Shimadzu Corporation (Current Fortune Garden Kyoto)Section 2 Magnificent Classical Architecture
Western-style architecture took root in Kyoto only in the late Meiji period (1868-1912), after having developed in Osaka and Tokyo. Sophisticated Baroque, Renaissance, Tudor, and Spanish styles appeared in the buildings of government offices, banks, and private residences. The vitality of such buildings in different architectural styles is among Kyoto’s many attractions.
Exhibits:
Imperial Museum of Kyoto (Current Kyoto National Museum)
Former Main Building of the Kyoto Prefectural Office
Chourakukan (Former Villa Murai Kichibei Kyoto)
Shimomura Shotaro Residence (aka Chudoken, current Daimaru Villa)
Former Oriental Studies Academy’s Kyoto Institue Founded by the Ministry of Foreign AffairsSection 3 Bridging Japan and the West
The question of what kind of architecture is suitable for Japan has been posed since early Meiji period study of Western architecture. The attempt to bridge the gap between Japanese and Western models started with review of Asia and Europe and sometimes Chinese and Middle Eastern elements. Such architecture that combines elements from Japan and other cultures may be most suitable for Japan.
Exhibits:
Main Building, Shinshu Shinto Life Insurance Company (Current Hongwan-ji Temple Dendo-in)
Villa Okura in Kyoto (Current Daiun-in Temple), Gion-kaku
Kyoto City Hall Main Building
Chochikukyo (Former Fujii Koji House)
Kyoto Enthronement Memorial Museum of Art (Current Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art)Section 4 Dreams of a Missionary Architect
The Catholic, Protestant, Anglican, and Russian Orthodox denominations all built bases and conducted activities in Kyoto from the early Meiji period. In this section, the relation of missionary ideals to the design of Christian, or missionary, architecture is considered.
Exhibits:
Neesima's Residence
Clarke Memorial Hall, the Doshisha
Chapel, the Doshisha
Meiji Hall of Heian Jogakuin (St. Agnes’ School)Section 5 City Life and Modernity
People perhaps desire a combination of old and new in the modern urban landscape - modern abstract designs that retain familiar and timeless traditional details. Kyoto’s modern cityscape is defined by buildings with such coexisting new and old elements.
Exhibits:
Kyoto Branch, Bank of Japan (Current the Museum of Kyoto, Annex) Restaurant Yaomasa (Current Tokasaikan)
Shinshindo (Current Shinshindo at Kyoto University North Gate) Shichijo Office, Nikko-sha (Current Fuji Rabbit)
Salon de thé FrançoisSection 6 Residences and the Modern Community
In the latter half of the Meiji period, scholars, artists, and writers began to relocate from Kyoto’s city center to its outskirts. They sought a quiet and spacious living environment with views of nature and mountains, and a modern lifestyle with neighbors and community. The modern home and its surroundings conveyed the hopeful ideals of the time.
Exhibits:
Villas and Gardens in the neighborhood of Nanzen-ji Temple and Murin-an (Former Villa Yamagata Aritomo and its Garden in Kyoto)
A Group of Houses of Former Tanigawa Family in Yoshida Kaguraoka and Mo-an Garden (Former Tanigawa Mo-an Tea House and Garden)
Kinugasa Artists Village and Former Konoshima Oukoku House
Kitashirakawa Scholars Village and Dr. Komai’s Residence
Horikawa Housing ComplexSection 7 Kyoto as Ideal of Modernist Architecture
Breaking away from stylized architecture, architects prior to World War II pursued rational design, facilities, and construction. In the post-war period, architects accepted, developed, and expanded on international trends. This section gives an overview on preserving architecture in Kyoto for the future — structures that anticipated the arrival of a new era, structures that inherited the aesthetics of modernism but at the same time incorporated elements of traditional culture, structures that succeeded in creating spaces fitting to the environment.
Exhibits:
Kyoto Central Telephone Office Nishijin Branch (Current Nishijin Business Incubation Center)
Kyoto Imperial University (Current Kyoto University)
Rakuyu Kaikan
Former Motono Seigo House
Tsurumaki House (Current Kurihara House)
Kyoto Imperial University (Current Kyoto University) Kwasan Observatory
Amherst Guest House, the Doshisha Kyoto University Sports Gynmasium Kyoto International Conference Hall -
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Learning Programs
A symposium including a keynote speech by exhibition supervisor Ishida Junichiro and an in-depth discussion on modern architecture in Kyoto with the Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art Director Aoki Jun and guests and gallery tours, etc. are planned, as well as a series of lecture videos featuring Kyoto-related architects to be released on the Museum’s YouTube channel.
Information concerning learning programs in conjunction with the exhibition, such as walking tours, events, and other plans, will be available at the Lounge, Main Building 2nd floor.Official Exhibition Book Modern Architecture in Kyoto 100
The official exhibition book introduces a selection of 100 existing modern buildings in Kyoto. Rich in photographs and illustrations, essays and commentary, it is intended to supplement the exhibition and to provide a guide for discovery walks around Kyoto. The two volume set, with a ‘field edition’ and an ‘archive edition,’ is organized in accordance with the seven exhibition themes.
Edited by: Ishida Junichiro, Maeda Naotake
Editorial assistance, publishing and sales: Echelle-1
Release date and price:
Japanese: September 2021, ¥3000 (including tax)
English: September 2021, ¥4000 (including tax)
For information: [email protected]
<2022.6.10 updated>The English version is now delayed. Please contact [email protected] for the latest information.
<2022.6.9 updated> Kindle book "Modern Architecture in Kyoto 100 (English Edition)" is now on sale. purchase HEREOfficial Audio-Guide App Modern Architecture in Kyoto audio guide
The application gives architecture a ‘voice,’ providing historical and other insights while you walk around Kyoto visiting the featured buildings.
This program offers five different town walking course tours highlighting Kyoto’s
modern architecture during the exhibition period. The tours include, for example, The
Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art Building Exploration Tours, an Okazaki and Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum environs tour, a Sanjo and The Museum of Kyoto environs tour.
The audio guide application (in Japanese) also features original and innovative fun quizzes, games, and a stamp rally.
Official website: https://modakuro.com
Price: ¥600 per walking course (Includes tax)
Combo courses with special discount available for the duration of the exhibition
Planning and supervision: Maeda Naotake
Planning cooperation: Ishida Junichiro, Kasahara Kazuto, Miyake Takuya, Ishikawa Yuichi
Production/Sales: Voice Goes ON
Learning and Mascot Versions
Two versions of the audio guide are intended to appeal to a wide audience – one version is in-depth and specialized (Learning Version), the other is more upbeat and entertaining (Mascot Version)
- Learning Version
Exploring Kyoto as a ‘Living Architecture Museum’ features side stories of architects with specialized knowledge of the historical background and other aspects of the buildings, and narration delivered by professional voice actors.
Narration: Okamoto Nobuhiko, Saito Soma, Matsukaze Masaya, Uchida Yuma
- Mascot Version
Walking around Kyoto while listening to the ‘voice’ of the buildings in dialogue of mascot characters.
Cast: Okamoto Nobuhiko, Saito Soma, Matsukaze Masaya, Uchida Yuma
Okamoto Nobuhiko
Among his many roles, he played the part of Katsuki Bakugo in My Hero Academia. He is recipient of the Voice Actor Awards 2009 New Actor Award and the 2011 Supporting Actor. Award.
Saito Soma
Recognized for his 2014 roles in Akame ga KILL and the animation To The Top. He won the Voice Actor Awards 2015 New Actor Award. He is also active as a solo artist.
Matsukaze Masaya
Had his anime debut in 1999 as Okouchi Sakuya in Kaikan Phrase. Among his many roles are Otori Kyoya in Ouran High School Host Club, Kuroki Yasunari in Nodame Cantabile, and Hagakure Yashiro in Danganronpa.
Uchida Yuma
Attracted attention for the roles of Sakurabe Kaoru in Idolm@ster SideM and Otori Eiji in Uta no Prince-sama. Won the Voice Actor Awards 2017 New Leading Actor Award and the 2019 Voice Actor award. -
A number of attractive projects, including tours and special access to buildings, are emerging as a result of Kyoto tourism enterprise collaboration with the Modern Architecture in Kyoto exhibition. Additionally, there will be special collaboration for accommodation, dining, and refreshments in the settings of modern architecture.
Special Tours
Plans are under way for Kyoto modern architecture tours in conjunction with the Modern Architecture in Kyoto theme of Kyoto as a living architecture museum.
Experienced Kyoto guides will accompany a limited number of tour guests in 4 different tour courses. Planned are a Lake Biwa tour by boat, private car, or on foot and, depending on the particular tour, opportunities to experience interior spaces and enjoy lunch in a Kyoto modern architecture building.
Tour Name: Reclaiming the Ancient Capital
(Three additional tours will be announced on the HIS website
Organized by H.I.S. Co. Ltd.
Planning and Supervision: Maeda NaotakeSpecial Public Access
Daiun-in Temple Gion-kaku Tower
Enter a Gion festival hoko (spear-style) decorative float mock-up
Period: November 19 (Fri.) – December 6, 2021 (Mon.)
Fee: adults ¥1000; elementary school students ¥500 (¥800, ¥400 for exhibition ticket holders)
Organized by: Daiun-in Gion-kaku and the Kyoto City Tourism Association (DMO Kyoto) Cooperation: Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art
Old Mitsui Family Shimogamo Villa, main building 2nd floor, 3rd floor watchtower
Merchant Villas : Edo, Meiji, Taisho Periods
Dates: November 18 (Thurs.) – December 7, 2021 (Tues.)
Fee: adults ¥1000; junior high and high school school students ¥700, elementary school students ¥400. (¥900, ¥650, ¥450 for Kyoto Modern Architecture ticket holders)
Organized by: Old Mitsui Family Shimogamo Villa Consortium and the Kyoto City Tourism Association (DMO Kyoto)
Cooperation: Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art
Chourakukan (former Villa Murai Kichibei)
State Guest House with British, American, French, Chinese and Japanese Styles
Period: September 2021(tentative)
Fee: To be decided
Organized by: Chourakukan
Cooperation: Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of ArtRestaurant, Café, Hotel, and Shop Projects
Concurrent with Modern Architecture in Kyoto, restaurants, cafes, hotels, and shops in Kyoto city will participate with special themed menus, accommodation plans, etc. in settings of modern architecture.
Café and Restaurants:
Chourakukan (former Villa Murai Kichibei)
FORTUNE GARDEN KYOTO (former Kawaramachi Headquarters of Shimadzu Corporation)
Salon de thé FRANÇOIS
Murin-an (former Yamagata Aritomo Kyoto Villa)
DEAN & DELUCA KYOTO (former Yamaguchi Bank, Kyoto branch)
ENFUSE (Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art)
Hotels:
The GATE HOTEL KYOTO TAKASEGAWA by HULIC (former Rissei Elementary School)
Shops:
Art Rectangle Kyoto (Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art)Events and Exhibitions Concurrent with Modern Architecture in Kyoto
2021 Kyoto Architecture Film Festival
Concurrent with Modern Architecture in Kyoto, film screenings, talks, and events on architectural themes to be held for the first time at several Kyoto venues, including the Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art and The Museum of Kyoto Film Theater. First time screenings in Japan of overseas short films as well as rare video footage of British architect and architectural historian Colin Rowe lectures scrutinizing how the modern movement was informed by philosophy literature, music and film. To enhance a broad understanding of modernism in architecture, reciprocal discount tickets will be available for films and exhibitions organized in conjunction with Modern Architecture in Kyoto.
Period: October 1 – December 26, 2021 (schedule, dates, and location subject to change)
Venue: Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art, The Museum of Kyoto Film Theater, Tsutaya Bookstore, others
For more information: https://vutterkohen.com/1232(Japanese only)
Organized by: The 2021 Kyoto Architecture Film Festival Executive Committee
Tomoya Masuda’s Architectural World: The Path of Thinking Found in His Archives
Period: October 27 (Wed) – December 12 (Sun), 2021
Venue: The Kyoto University Museum
The Kyoto University Museum website
Organized by: The Kyoto University Museum, Kyoto University Graduate School of Engineering
Konoshima Ōkoku Captivating Dedication: Ōkoku-san
Period: October 23 (Sat), 2021 – January 10 (Mon), 2022
Fukuda Art Museum website
Organized by: Fukuda Art Museum Saga Arashiyama