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John Barr

20th Century Japan in 20 Buildings

20th Century Japan in 20 Buildings

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The study of Japanese architecture has often been presented as a series of visual images that are explained as if they emerged from some unique alchemy of sensitivity and mysticism. This book argues that Japanese modern architecture emerged from identifiable events and is as susceptible to analysis and criticism in these terms as any other architecture. It examines twenty buildings spanning the 20th century and places them in the context of the political, social, economic, historical, and cultural factors that shaped both them and modern Japan. Each building has been chosen because it reflects a major event in the development of modern Japan and its architecture.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 01 March 2022
Publisher: Lund Humphries Publishers Ltd


The West has long viewed Japan through the dual lenses of orientalism and exoticism, with a succession of commentators seeking to present Japan as somehow 'other' and not susceptible to ready understanding. Too often, the study of Japanese architecture has followed this pattern, or has been presented as a series of visual images that are explained as if they emerged from some unique alchemy of sensitivity and mysticism.

This book argues that Japanese modern architecture emerged from identifiable events: political, social, economic, historical events, and is as susceptible as any other architecture to analysis and criticism in these terms. Episodic rather than encyclopedic, it does not describe every twist and turn in the development of modern Japanese architecture, but rather examines twenty buildings spanning the 20th century and places them in the context of the political, social, economic, as well as the historical and cultural factors that shaped both them and modern Japan. Each building has been chosen because it reflects a major event in the development of modern Japan and its architecture.

In this way, the author provides a more rounded understanding of the development of modern architecture in Japan and the circumstances from which it emerged, and offers lessons that are still of relevance. As Japan entered the modern era, it was faced with the necessity of accepting an influx of Western technology in order to catch up. With imported technology came new and different ideas and values. Could the Japanese adopt the technology imported from the West while retaining their own culture and values? How could they navigate the complexities of cultural exchange and adaptation in a rapidly changing world?

These questions were at the forefront
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The West has long viewed Japan through the dual lenses of orientalism and exoticism, with a succession of commentators seeking to present Japan as somehow 'other' and not susceptible to ready understanding. Too often, the study of Japanese architecture has followed this pattern, or has been presented as a series of visual images that are explained as if they emerged from some unique alchemy of sensitivity and mysticism.

This book argues that Japanese modern architecture emerged from identifiable events: political, social, economic, historical events, and is as susceptible as any other architecture to analysis and criticism in these terms. Episodic rather than encyclopedic, it does not describe every twist and turn in the development of modern Japanese architecture, but rather examines twenty buildings spanning the 20th century and places them in the context of the political, social, economic, as well as the historical and cultural factors that shaped both them and modern Japan. Each building has been chosen because it reflects a major event in the development of modern Japan and its architecture.

In this way, the author provides a more rounded understanding of the development of modern architecture in Japan and the circumstances from which it emerged, and offers lessons that are still of relevance. As Japan entered the modern era, it was faced with the necessity of accepting an influx of Western technology in order to catch up. With imported technology came new and different ideas and values. Could the Japanese adopt the technology imported from the West while retaining their own culture and values? How could they navigate the complexities of cultural exchange and adaptation in a rapidly changing world?

These questions were at the forefront of the minds of the Japanese as they entered the modern era. Could they retain their own culture and values while adopting the technology imported from the West? How could they navigate the complexities of cultural exchange and adaptation in a rapidly changing world?

The answer to these questions was not easy. Japan was a country with a long and rich history, and its culture was deeply rooted in its traditions and values. At the same time, it was also a country that was rapidly modernizing, and its people were eager to embrace the latest technology and ideas from the West.

To navigate these challenges, the Japanese government implemented a series of policies aimed at promoting cultural exchange and adaptation. These policies included the establishment of cultural centers and museums, the promotion of education and language learning, and the encouragement of tourism and business investment.

Despite these efforts, there were still many challenges to be faced. The Japanese culture was deeply rooted in its traditions and values, and many Japanese people were resistant to change. There were also concerns about the impact of Western technology on Japanese culture and values, particularly in terms of the loss of traditional crafts and practices.

Despite these challenges, the Japanese were able to successfully navigate the complexities of cultural exchange and adaptation. They were able to retain their own culture and values while also embracing the latest technology and ideas from the West. This was due in part to the resilience and adaptability of the Japanese people, as well as the leadership of the Japanese government in promoting cultural exchange and adaptation.

In conclusion, the study of Japanese architecture has long been influenced by the dual lenses of orientalism and exoticism. This book argues that Japanese modern architecture emerged from identifiable events: political, social, economic, historical events, and is as susceptible as any other architecture to analysis and criticism in these terms. By examining twenty buildings spanning the 20th century and placing them in the context of the political, social, economic, as well as the historical and cultural factors that shaped both them and modern Japan, the author provides a more rounded understanding of the development of modern architecture in Japan and the circumstances from which it emerged. The lessons learned from this study are still of relevance today, as Japan continues to navigate the complexities of cultural exchange and adaptation in a rapidly changing world.

Weight: 1304g
Dimension: 199 x 259 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781848225725

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