30 Best Architecture and Design Firms in Japan

These annual rankings were last updated on May 22nd, 2026. Want to see your firm on next year’s list? Continue reading for more on how you can improve your studio’s ranking.

Japanese architecture and building formulae have long been revered by the West. Even if the nation’s notably minimalist ethos remains somewhat elusive, the formal exchange between Japan and the rest of the world has been reciprocal and fertile. In addition to its characteristic Buddhist temples, vast Shinto shrines, traditional curved-roofed structure and regenerative approach to preservation, Modernism took off in Japan following the Second World War and left a great impression on the international architectural community with its Metabolist movement.

Immense structural rehabilitation took place after the war, and pioneering architects like Kenzō Tange made significant contributions to Japan’s built environment by synthesizing traditional architecture with modernism. This reinterpretation of modernist architectural styles was championed throughout the 20th century by architects who underscored the interplay of architecture with the landscape. Among the many structural typologies worthy of envy are Japanese school designs and THE TOKYO TOILET; the country’s pedagogical structures reflect its rich curriculum, which underscores discipline, curiosity and responsibility.

With so many architecture firms to choose from, it’s challenging for clients to identify the industry leaders that will be an ideal fit for their project needs. Fortunately, Architizer is able to provide guidance on the top design firms in Japan based on more than a decade of data and industry knowledge.

How are these architecture firms ranked?

The following ranking has been created according to key statistics that demonstrate each firm’s level of architectural excellence. The following metrics have been accumulated to establish each architecture firm’s ranking, in order of priority:

• The number of A+Awards won (2013 to 2026)
• The number of A+Awards finalists (2013 to 2026)
• The number of projects selected as “Project of the Day” (2009 to 2026)
• The number of projects selected as “Featured Project” (2009 to 2026)
• The number of projects uploaded to Architizer (2009 to 2026)

Each of these metrics is explained in more detail at the foot of this article. This ranking list will be updated annually, taking into account new achievements of Japan architecture firms throughout the year.

Without further ado, here are the 30 best architecture firms in Japan:

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30. Aisaka Architects’ Atelier

Aisaka architects’ atelier is located in densely populated suburban Tokyo. Their work revolves around residential architecture.

Some of Aisaka Architects’ Atelier’s most prominent projects include:

• Higashitateishi Nursery School, Katsushika City, Japan
• AMANENOMORI NURSERY SCHOOL, Chiba Prefecture, Japan
• Building of Music, Tokyo, Japan
• Tesoro Nursery School, Chiyoda City, Japan
• KEIUN BUILDING, Tokyo, Japan

The following statistics helped Aisaka Architects' Atelier achieve 30th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Japan:

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29. Klein Dytham architecture

Klein Dytham architecture (KDa) is a multi-disciplinary design practice known for architecture, interiors, public spaces and installations. Established by Royal College of Art graduates Astrid Klein and Mark Dytham in Tokyo in 1991, today KDa is a multi-lingual office with an international reputation and a high-profile client list which includes Google, Tsutaya, Sony, Virgin Atlantic, Nike, Uniqlo, Selfridges and Japan Rail.

KDa’s built work includes flagship retail stores, restaurants, resort facilities, office fit-outs, houses and private residences. KDa has no stylistic recipe, preferring to work with the client, program and other project parameters to develop a uniquely tailored solution. Materials, technology, and context are all key elements of KDa’s design approach, spiced always with an irreverent or surprising twist.

Some of Klein Dytham architecture’s most prominent projects include:

• Cartier Shinsaibashi Boutique, Osaka, Japan
• PokoPoko Clubhouse, Nasu, Japan
• Soma City HOME-FOR-ALL, Soma, Japan
• Daikanyama T-Site, Shibuya, Japan
• Leaf Chapel

The following statistics helped Klein Dytham architecture achieve 29th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Japan:

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28. bandesign

Architecture has a long life and is different from other designs. I don’t design with an idea, but I do design for never changing. For example, the sun comes up in the east and sets in the west. It is definitely never changing forever. I want to design intentionally for long life. In addition, long life is closely related to architectural culture. Historical architecture is being strongly. Could you imagine the architect’s mind? If he were not enthusiastic, the historical architecture wouldn’t exist. The design work might be for his life. It is clear that architecture is the same as fine art, another art.

Some of bandesign’s most prominent projects include:

• Mirrors, Gifu Prefecture, Japan
• Involve, Nisshin, Japan
• The Distance, Japan
• Turn,Turn,Turn, Aichi Prefecture, Japan
• Secret Garden, Aichi Prefecture, Japan

The following statistics helped bandesign achieve 28th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Japan:

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27. CASE-REAL

Led by designer Koichi Futatsumata, CASE-REAL works on interior/architecture projects. With creative ideas and technological studies based on each environment, objective and tasks given for each project, CASE-REAL will seek an essential solution to fit each atmosphere.

Some of CASE-REAL’s most prominent projects include:

• House in Saitozaki
• House in Tsurumaki, Tokyo, Japan
• House with a kura in Gosho-Higashi, Kyoto, Japan
• WINE&SWEETS TSUMONS, Fukuoka, Japan
• Restaurant on the Sea, Takamatsu-shi, Japan

The following statistics helped CASE-REAL achieve 27th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Japan:

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26. Yohei Kawashima architects

Yohei Kawashima architects was founded in 2014 by Youhei Kawashima and is based in Tokyo, Japan. The firm is well-versed in the design of large-scale apartment buildings as well as retail architecture.

Some of Yohei Kawashima architects’ most prominent projects include:

• N_apartment, Miyakojima, Japan
• O_building, Tokyo, Japan
• M_building, Miyakojima, Japan
• JINS Sendai Izumi, Sendai, Japan
• O_apartment, Miyakojima, Japan

The following statistics helped Yohei Kawashima architects inc. achieve 26th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Japan:

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25. kasa architects

We want to create places, not buildings. We share our clients’ ideas and wishes, discovering the joys and comforts of a new way of life. We value the qualities of a place, and we want to create rich spaces by pursuing the possibilities of architecture.

Some of kasa architects’ most prominent projects include:

• Share House Funabashi, Japan
• house in ageo, Japan
• house in kodaira, Japan
• house komoro, Komoro, Japan
• hasuda apartment, Saitama, Japan

The following statistics helped kasa architects achieve 25th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Japan:

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24. Mitsubishi Jisho Design

The roots of Mitsubishi Jisho Design lie in the Marunouchi Architectural Office, the architectural design firm founded in 1890, which designed Japan’s first modern office building, the Mitsubishi Ichigokan (Building No.1). Over the subsequent decades, as the country modernized, the firm went on to design a series of iconic brick buildings in the central Marunouchi district of Tokyo, the national capital. In the 1960s, responding to rapid economic growth and the burgeoning demand for office space, the area was transformed into a harmonious central business district, with new buildings designed to conform to a uniform height of 31 meters. In the 21st century, these buildings have been replaced with high-rise towers, and the area has been reimagined once more as a lively district with vibrant commercial and cultural functions.

Some of Mitsubishi Jisho Design’s most prominent projects include:

• TOKYO TORCH Tokiwabashi Tower, Japan
• World Food Waste Tea House: #001 Veneti-an, Venice, Italy
• Otemon Gakuin University Academic-Ark, Osaka, Japan
• Mitsubishi Pavilion (Expo 2025), Osaka, Japan
• Front Place Chiyoda Ichibancho, Tokyo, Japan

The following statistics helped Mitsubishi Jisho Design achieve 24th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Japan:

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23. Tsutsumi And Associates

We are an architectural design firm with two offices in Hiroshima and Beijing. Every site has a complex intertwining of various issues that are different from each other. We carefully untangle them, identify the conceptual issues, and aim to create a unique architecture for the client. Such an architecture will not be merely a style for show, but will live with the client for a long time with pleasure.

Some of Tsutsumi And Associates’ most prominent projects include:

• ANZAS Dance Studio, Beijing, China
• Haregino Marusho, Yokohama, Japan
• Cloud Echo, Guangdong Province, China
• Hangzhou Spiral Villa, Hangzhou, China
• Tsingpu Baisha Retreat, Lijiang, China

The following statistics helped Tsutsumi And Associates achieve 23rd place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Japan:

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22. Moriyuki Ochiai Architects

Moriyuki Ochiai Architects is active in architectural, interior, furniture, landscape and industrial design. The sources of our inspirations come from being captivated by the vivacious and lively beauty of nature or life. We can also feel the influence coming from the delicate sensitivity responding to the unique Japanese nature, which can be found in Japanese temples and gardens. We wish to continue creating works that fulfill people’s dreams, become the energy for their lives, and then move on to a deeper dimension that exceeds life itself.

Some of Moriyuki Ochiai Architects’ most prominent projects include:

• Aluminum Flower Garden
• ARKHE Beauty Salon, Chiba, Japan
• LHM Kindergarten, Tokyo, Japan
• Dream Dairy Farm Store, Japan
• YUME MARCHE Store, Japan

The following statistics helped Moriyuki Ochiai Architects achieve 22nd place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Japan:

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21. Ryuichi Sasaki Architecture

We seek to re-interprete architecture’s position within cultural practices that determine meaning, particularly within will of epoch analysis. The investigations traverse not only conventional notions of space, enclosure, and order but also the fluctuating frames that define space.

Some of Ryuichi Sasaki Architecture’s most prominent projects include:

• IDEAREVE IKEGAMI, Tokyo, Japan
• Yomogino Ryokan Hot Spa
• Modelia Brut KAGURAZAKA, Shinjuku City, Japan
• Wall Cloud, Tokyo, Japan
• Chopin International Music Centre in Zelazowa Wola

The following statistics helped Ryuichi Sasaki Architecture achieve 21st place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Japan:

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20. FORM / Kouichi Kimura Architects

Established in 1991 by Kouichi Kimura, FORM’s mission is to create spaces where quiet time flows. Working primarily with residential design, the firm’s architecture has been characterized as poetic, with great attention to form, shadow and light.

Some of FORM / Kouichi Kimura Architects’ most prominent projects include:

• House of Silence, Shiga, Japan
• House for a Photographer, Shiga Prefecture, Japan
• House of Representation, Japan
• Promenade House, Shiga, Japan
• House of Reticence, Shiga Prefecture, Japan

The following statistics helped FORM / Kouichi Kimura Architects achieve 20th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Japan:

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19. Apollo Architects and Associates

Kurosaki was born in Ishikawa Prefecture in 1970. He graduated from Meiji University Department of Architecture, School of Science and Technology, and founded Apollo in 2000, planning for private residences, villas, resort hotels, etc. and undertaking product development and brand design for businesses. Kurosaki won the world-renowned Wallpaper Design Award for Best New Private House, and has been Japan’s judge in the Italian-based Archiproducts Design Awards for seven consecutive years, earning him wide recognition overseas. His writings include APOLLO Architects & Associates Satoshi KUROSAKI and APOLLO Architects & Associates Satoshi KUROSAKI VOL-2’ (both published by Nemo Factory), as well as APOLLO TIMELESS (published by FRAME).

Some of Apollo Architects and Associates’ most prominent projects include:

• WRAP, Minato, Japan
• FOLD
• ‘FLOW’, Urayasu, Japan
• NEUT, Tokyo, Japan
• LATTICE

The following statistics helped Apollo Architects and Associates achieve 19th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Japan:

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18. Kichi Architectural Design

We are Kichi Architectural Design based in Japan. The design of homes is our main business line, but we also design stores and offices.

While appreciating the inherent energy of land, we cultivate expansive ideas through repeated consultations with each client. Our aim is to create unique spaces that resonate with the spirits of the people who will live there.

Some of Kichi Architectural Design’s most prominent projects include:

• House of Blocks, Ushiku, Japan
• Hotel PatInn, Ogasawara, Japan
• Park Street House, Chiba Prefecture, Japan
• Circle House, Tsukuba, Japan
• Ware House, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan

The following statistics helped Kichi Architectural Design achieve 18th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Japan:

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17. SUGAWARADAISUKE Architects

SUGAWARADAISUKE is an architecture and art-direction office valued internationally, working on different areas like urban design, landscape, architecture, interior, graphic design and branding. Our target is to make our world beautiful and colorful by integrating different scales and elements. The cross-cutting creativity is based on global viewpoints and architectural background.

Some of SUGAWARADAISUKE Architects’ most prominent projects include:

• Office in Forest / Aquaplannet headquarters building, Matsusaka, Japan
• Temporary Housing of Rikuzentakata / Emergency Project for the Great East Japan Earthquake, Rikuzentakata, Japan
• Yutaka Kindergarten, Saitama, Japan
• CELL
• Kiritoshi House, Oamishirasato, Japan

The following statistics helped SUGAWARADAISUKE Architects Inc. achieve 17th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Japan:

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16. Akira Koyama + KEY OPERATION INC. / ARCHITECTS

Our aim is to find the simplest and the most innovative space composition, construction method or other architectural technique that tackles the different problems and gives a coherent, clever, logical solution. In order to do so, we will investigate and analyze the customer’s requirements, observe the urban context, understand the social interactions, acknowledge local history, culture, regulations and natural environment and study building materials and techniques.

Some of Akira Koyama + KEY OPERATION INC. / ARCHITECTS’s most prominent projects include:

• yotsuya tenera, Tokyo, Japan
• Sakuragicho Residence, Yokohama, Japan
• Fudomae Apartment with Six Voids, Meguro City, Japan
• House Taishido
• Komachi Building, Shibuya, Japan

The following statistics helped Akira Koyama + KEY OPERATION INC. / ARCHITECTS achieve 16th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Japan:

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15. Kiriko design office

Kiriko Design Office was established four decades ago in Kochi Prefecture, surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and the mountains. The firm often works with local materials and designs all types of structures — nursery schools, clinics, apartment complexes, villas, shops and buildings.

Some of Kiriko design office’s most prominent projects include:

• Oranque, Kochi, Japan
• U2, Japan
• Garage house, Japan
• ombrage, Japan
• Tei, Kochi Prefecture, Japan

The following statistics helped Kiriko design office achieve 15th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Japan:

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14. Florian Busch Architects

Florian Busch Architects is an office practicing architecture, urbanism, and socio-cultural analysis. Based in Tokyo, FBA draws on a worldwide network of expert consultants, architects and engineers, accumulating several decades of experience within the industry. Understanding architecture as the result of interactions between multiple fields, FBA, from the outset of any project, devises special strategies working in feedback processes with a diversity of consultants to drive the project towards solutions beyond the imagined.

Florian Busch Architectural Design Office is an office that engages in research on architecture, urban planning, society and culture. Based in Tokyo, we have a network of numerous engineers who have decades of experience and trust in the architectural world.

Some of Florian Busch Architects’ most prominent projects include:

• House in Takadanobaba, Tokyo, Japan
• House in the Forest, Hokkaido, Japan
• ‘A’ House in Kisami, Shimoda, Japan
• L House in Hirafu, Abuta District, Japan
• Nobori, Tokyo, Japan

The following statistics helped Florian Busch Architects achieve 14th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Japan:

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13. Hiroshi Nakamura & NAP

Hiroshi Nakamura & NAP was established in 2002 by Hiroshi Nakamura. He believes in constructing an organic relationship between “architecture, nature, and the body” through “microscopic design” that is close to natural phenomena, people’s behavior, and emotional movements. And we aim to harmonize them with “architecture that can only be found there” based on the history, culture, industry, materials, etc. of the region. In recent years, he has found the essence of this in traditional Japanese architecture and garden culture, and is working to reconstruct them.

Some of Hiroshi Nakamura & NAP’s most prominent projects include:

• Library in the Earth, Japan
• Sayama Forest Chapel, Tokorozawa, Japan
• Ribbon Chapel, Onomichi, Japan
• Bird’s Nest Atami, Atami, Japan
• Kamikatz Public House, Tokushima, Japan

The following statistics helped Hiroshi Nakamura & NAP achieve 13th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Japan:

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12. YYAA | Yoshihiro Yamamoto + Associates, Architects

YYAA was established by Yoshihiro Yamamoto in 2009. He was born in Nara, Japan, in 1976. He received a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Kyoto Institute of Technology in 2004. He is constantly thinking about how to build better buildings for the world, without being confined to the established concept. He believes there are infinite possibilities in conditions and constraints which seemingly negative.

Some of YYAA | Yoshihiro Yamamoto + Associates, Architects’ most prominent projects include:

• Rowhouse on Showa-koji St., Kyoto, Japan
• Fukinagashi Flat, Osaka, Japan
• Rowhouse in Kikawa, Osaka, Japan
• House in Kitamachi, Nara, Japan
• Okayama Building, Osaka, Japan

The following statistics helped YYAA | Yoshihiro Yamamoto + Associates, Architects achieve 12th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Japan:

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11. ALTS DESIGN OFFICE

‘It searches for always new universality, and it has begun to make various and special something – this is our work. If an architect’s office is requested, many people think that a threshold is high and high-cost and becomes a house in which it is hard to live due to design considerations. However, such a thing cannot be found. We always search for new universality, conversing with the chief mourner, and beginning to make various and rich spaces by using a simple and intelligible method.

Some of ALTS DESIGN OFFICE’s most prominent projects include:

• Kofunaki House, Kobunakicho, Omihachiman, Japan
• Azuchi House, Minakuchi, Japan
• kusatsu house, Japan
• Maibara House, Shiga Prefecture, Japan
• Mi-chan’s Sweets Factory, Japan

The following statistics helped ALTS DESIGN OFFICE achieve 11th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Japan:

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10. Tadao Ando Architect & Associates

Tadao Ando Architect & Associates, founded in 1969 by the self-taught architect Tadao Ando, is renowned for its minimalist concrete structures and integration of natural elements into architectural designs. The firm’s projects are mainly centered around cultural architecture.

Some of Tadao Ando Architect & Associates’ most prominent projects include:

• He Art Museum, Foshan, China
• MPavilion 10, Melbourne, Australia
• Centro Roberto Garza Sada de Arte, Arquitectura y Diseño, Monterrey, México
• ICHIGONI at 152 Elizabeth Street, New York City, New York
• The contemplative Clark, Williamstown, Massachusetts

The following statistics helped Tadao Ando Architect & Associates achieve 10th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Japan:

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9. Schemata Architects / Jo Nagasaka

Jo Nagasaka established Schemata Architects right after graduating from Tokyo University of the Arts in 1998. Currently, he is based out of Kitasando, Tokyo. Jo has extensive experience in a wide range of expertise, from furniture to architecture. His design approach is always based on a 1:1 scale, regardless of what size he deals with. He works extensively in Japan and around the world, while expanding his design activity in various fields.

Some of Schemata Architects / Jo Nagasaka’s most prominent projects include:

• ºC (Do-C) Ebisu, Tokyo, Japan
• Takeo Kikuchi Store in Shibuya, Shibuya, Japan
• House in Nobeoka, Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan
• WORLD BASICS Pop-Up Store @merci, Paris, France
• YAGICHO-HONTEN, Chūō-ku, Japan

The following statistics helped Schemata Architects / Jo Nagasaka achieve 9th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Japan:

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8. emmanuelle moureaux

Emmanuelle Moureaux is a French architect and artist based in Tokyo since 1996. Inspired by the layered colors of the city and traditional Japanese spatial elements such as sliding screens, she has developed the concept of shikiri, i.e., using color as a three-dimensional element to divide and create space.

Color is her signature medium. Through color, she creates architecture, installations, and artworks that shape space, rhythm, and perception. Since 2013, her ongoing “100 colors” series has transformed 100 shades of color into spatial experiences. In her work, color is not applied to surfaces as decoration, but used as a medium to create space itself.

Her notable works include sculptural entrances for Google Headquarters, architectural design for Sugamo Shinkin Bank, installations for UNIQLO and ISSEY MIYAKE, and Forest of Numbers at The National Art Center, Tokyo.

Some of emmanuelle moureaux’s most prominent projects include:

• Forest of Numbers, Tokyo, Japan
• Sugamo Shinkin Bank / Shimura Branch, Itabashi-ku, Japan
• 100 colors no.37, Oslo, Norway
• 100 colors no.35, Kurashiki, Japan
• Sugamo Shinkin Bank / Nakaaoki Branch, Kawaguchi, Japan

The following statistics helped emmanuelle moureaux INC. achieve 8th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Japan:

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7. Masahiro Miyake (y+M design office)

Cofounded by Hidemasa Yoshimoto and Masahiro Miyake, y+M design office is a Japanese architectural practice that attaches big importance to the idea of connections. Pondering the connection between environments and humans, the firm seeks to find the most appropriate design solutions for its clients.

Some of Masahiro Miyake (y+M design office)’s most prominent projects include:

• Floating-roof house, Kobe, Japan
• béret, Kagawa Prefecture, Japan
• House on Stylobate, Nara Prefecture, Japan
• Rain Shelter House, Tottori Prefecture, Japan
• Shawl House, Ehime Prefecture, Japan

The following statistics helped Masahiro Miyake (y+M design office) achieve 7th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Japan:

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6. Nendo

Giving people a small “!” moment. There are so many small “!” moments hidden in our everyday. But we don’t recognize them, and even when we do recognize them, we tend to unconsciously reset our minds and forget what we’ve seen. But we believe these small “!” moments are what make our days so interesting, so rich. That’s why we want to reconstitute the everyday by collecting and reshaping them into something that’s easy to understand. We’d like the people who’ve encountered Nendo’s designs to feel these small “!” moments intuitively. That’s Nendo’s job.

Some of Nendo’s most prominent projects include:

• Kaleidoscopic Ivy, Japan
• Roof and Mushrooms Pavilion, Kyoto, Japan
• Tenri Station Plaza CoFuFun, Tenri, Japan
• Stairway House, Tokyo, Japan
• kojimachi terrace, Tokyo, Japan

The following statistics helped Nendo achieve 6th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Japan:

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5. EA Research and Design Office / Takeru Shoji

Our desire is not just to create a living space to solve the changing needs of a house, commercial area, or public spaces, but to also create a living environment that makes those in it, by the sole fact of being in it, and those who see it, happy. I want not only those owning and residing in the building, but also those living by or just passing by it to feel moved and feel the unique characteristics of the building. It is more important to me to create an “open” environment with my designs than the actual buildings themselves.

My meaning of the word “open” is a place that is well suited for people, and allows them, as human beings, a comfortable place and time to just be.

Some of EA Research and Design Office / Takeru Shoji’s most prominent projects include:

• Hara House, Nagaoka, Japan
• YNS, Niigata, Japan
• Shiro house, Akita, Japan
• SDC, Niigata, Japan
• Wow! Sta., Niigata, Japan

The following statistics helped EA Research and Design Office / Takeru Shoji achieve 5th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Japan:

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4. Fujiwaramuro Architects

Fujiwara Muro Architects was established in 2022 by Shintaro Fujiwara and Yoshio Muroi in Osaka, Japan. The firm focuses on designing compact residences with great views.

Some of Fujiwaramuro Architects’ most prominent projects include:

• Sunroom House in Tsukaguchi, Amagasaki, Japan
• Office to Residence in Chuo Ward, Osaka, Japan
• House in Hayama, Hayama, Japan
• KKDC Japan, Kyoto, Japan
• Housen in Ikoma, Ikoma, Japan

The following statistics helped Fujiwaramuro Architects achieve 4th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Japan:

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3. HIBINOSEKKEI+youjinoshiro

Main services of ‘Youji no Shiro’ are designs and surveys of buildings, renovation and interiors of preschools. We also provide branding consultation services for preschools. ‘Youji no Shiro’, which means ‘The Castle for Children’ in Japanese, is the name of a section of Hibino Sekkei Architecture, based in Kanagawa, Japan.

The company was founded in 1972 and launched the section that specializes in the design of spaces for children in 1991, reflecting the rapidly altering social situation. By that time, the declining birth rate had become a serious issue in Japan. With fewer children continuing to develop, we began to think that the existing preschool architecture, where classrooms of the same sizes and shapes were lined up, wasn’t just right.

Some of HIBINOSEKKEI+youjinoshiro’s most prominent projects include:

• SH Kindergarten and Nursery, Toyama, Japan
• KB Primary and Secondary School, Sasebo, Japan
• FH Kindergarten and Nursery, Nagasaki, Japan
• Cheer Kindergarten, Shenzhen, China
• Hanazono Kindergarten and Nursery, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan

The following statistics helped HIBINOSEKKEI+youjinoshiro achieve 3rd place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Japan:

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2. Nikken Sekkei

At Nikken Sekkei, we take an integrated approach to our projects as a professional service firm. Across all in-house disciplines of architectural design – urban design, research, planning and consulting – our teams work collaboratively to deliver better solutions for clients.

Some of Nikken Sekkei’s most prominent projects include:

• Showa Gakuin Elementary School West Wing, Ichikawa, Japan
• JR Kumamoto Railway Station Building, Kumamoto, Japan
• Ariake Gymnastics Center, Tokyo, Japan
• Yamato Konan Building, Tokyo, Japan
• On the water, Nikko, Japan
• Featured image: MUWA NISEKO, Hirafu, Kutchan, Japan

The following statistics helped NIKKEN SEKKEI LTD achieve 2nd place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Japan:

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1. Kengo Kuma and Associates

Kengo Kuma was born in 1954. He established Kengo Kuma & Associates in 1990. He is currently a University Professor and Professor Emeritus at the University of Tokyo after teaching at Keio University and the University of Tokyo. KKAA projects are currently underway in more than 50 countries. Kengo Kuma proposes architecture that opens up new relationships between nature, technology, and human beings. His major publications include Kengo Kuma Onomatopoeia Architecture Grounding (X-Knowledge), Nihon no Kenchiku (Architecture of Japan, Iwanami Shoten), Zen Shigoto (Kengo Kuma – the complete works, Daiwa Shobo), Ten Sen Men (Point Line Plane, Iwanami Shoten), Makeru Kenchiku (Architecture of Defeat, Iwanami Shoten), Shizen na Kenchiku (Natural Architecture, Iwanami Shinsho), Chii-sana Kenchiku (Small Architecture, Iwanami Shinsho) and many others.

Some of Kengo Kuma and Associates’ most prominent projects include:

• Botanical Pavilion, Melbourne, Australia
• Teahouse in Coal Harbour, Vancouver, Canada
• V&A Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
• MASSIMODECARLO Pièce Unique, Paris, France
• Darling Square, Sydney, Australia

The following statistics helped Kengo Kuma and Associates achieve 1st place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Japan:

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A Guide to Project Awards

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The orange Project of the Day and yellow Featured Project badges are awarded by Architizer’s Editorial team, and are selected based on a number of factors. The following factors increase a project’s likelihood of being featured or awarded Project of the Day status:

• Project completed within the last 3 years
• A well written, concise project description of at least 3 paragraphs
• Architectural design with a high level of both functional and aesthetic value
• High quality, in focus photographs
• At least 8 photographs of both the interior and exterior of the building
• Inclusion of architectural drawings and renderings
• Inclusion of construction photographs

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