#Japan #Osaka #Chochikukyo #Koji Kobayashi #Akira Matsukuma

Celebrating the Legacy of Chochikukyo

A notable highlight in Japan's architectural landscape, Chochikukyo is set to be celebrated at a special talk event in Osaka on December 8, 2025. This event commemorates the century-long existence of this iconic residence, known for its unique architectural design and cultural significance.

Published by Kenchiku Shiryō Kenkyūsha, the event is to honor the release of the photobook "Chochikukyo — The Complete Overview of the Bookstore, Quiet Room, and Tea Room at 100 Years" authored by Koji Kobayashi and supervised by Akira Matsukuma. The book is scheduled for release in bookstores nationwide on June 11, 2025.

Chochikukyo, designed by renowned architect Koji Fujii, serves as a national important cultural property. After the completion of restorative works in 2023, it has once again revealed its splendor. This special event, initiated in celebration of the book's publication, will occur precisely on Fujii's birthday, marking a fitting tribute to a visionary of Japanese architecture.

The evening will include a discussion led by Matsukuma, who has been integral to multiple related exhibitions throughout 2025, including the "Living Modernity: Housing Experiments from the 1920s to the 1970s" running at the National Art Center from March to June. Matsukuma will delve into the intricate design elements and cultural narratives embedded within Chochikukyo, alongside interpretations from Kobayashi’s photography, which promises a fresh perspective on this celebrated work.

Kobayashi, a renowned photographer and editor, will provide unique insights from his career as an architectural photographer, bringing forth highlights from the 300 carefully curated images included in the book. Each photograph will reveal the intricate creativity of Fujii, illustrating ideals of Japanese residential architecture laid out a century ago.

Not only is the event a chance to reflect and engage in dialogue about architectural advancements, but it also marks the culmination of what is being deemed the “Year of Fujii Koji and Chochikukyo”. The year has been filled with significant exhibitions and events, including the "Hiroshima International Architecture Festival 2025" where works related to Fujii will also be displayed.

The event will take place from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at the Ichou Hall of Takenaka Corporation's Osaka headquarters, with doors opening at 5:30 PM. Entry is free but limited to the first 100 attendees. As a special incentive, participants will receive an original print of Chochikukyo shot by Koji Kobayashi.

This talk not only offers a platform to appreciate one of Japan's architectural masterpieces but also encourages an exploration of its enduring charm. Attendees can look forward to an engaging discussion filled with discoveries about this iconic residence.

• - Date: December 8, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM (Doors open at 5:30 PM)
• - Venue: Ichou Hall, Takenaka Corporation Osaka Headquarters, 4-1-13 Honmachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka
• - Speakers: Koji Kobayashi (author) and Akira Matsukuma (curator)
• - Seating: Limited to 100 guests (first-come, first-served)
• - Admission: Free
• - Special Offering: Attendees will receive a unique print of Chochikukyo by Koji Kobayashi
• - Post-Event: An informal gathering will be held at a separate venue (with local charges applicable later).

For more details and registration, visit: Registration Link.

Book Overview

Author: Koji Kobayashi
Curator: Akira Matsukuma
Release Date: June 1, 2025
Specifications: B5 size, 368 pages (full color)
Price: 5,500 yen (tax included)
ISBN: 978-4-86834-000-3

Explore the 100-year legacy of Chochikukyo, an architectural triumph that continues to inspire. You are cordially invited to partake in the celebration of its journey and influence in modern Japanese architecture.