In our latest JRPass blog, we take you on a tour of Japan's world-renowned architecture, specifically the work of Kenzo Tange.
Introduction
Few architects have likely shaped post-war Japan as profoundly as Kenzo Tange. Renowned for his blending of traditional Japanese style with modernism, Tange was also a leading proponent of Metabolism—an architectural movement from the 1960s and 1970s that rather interestingly imagined cities as living, evolving organisms. And, his vision still defines much of Japan even today, including the capital, Tokyo. In Yoyogi, his National Gymnasium, built for the 1964 Olympics, remains an architectural icon for its distinctive design. In Bunkyo, St. Mary’s Cathedral, seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Tokyo, rises like folded steel origami. And, in Shinjuku, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, which actually was designed to resemble a gigantic microchip, stands like an imposing monolith. Tange’s work captured a unique moment in Tokyo’s history when it was reinventing itself as a global city—one that remains a must-visit destination for those with even a passing interest in architecture.
Early Life and Influences
In 1913, Kenzo Tange was born in Osaka Prefecture and spent part of his childhood in China before returning to Japan. He then spent a few years in Shikoku before moving to Hiroshima where an encounter with a magazine article on the Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier sparked his life-long interest in modern architecture. Following this, Tange enrolled in the architecture department at Tokyo University, where he studied under Hideto Kishida and Yoshikazu Uchida. After graduating, he started work as an architect at the office of Kunio Maekawa, a key figure in Japanese post-war modernism.
And, it was this rapid modernization, alongside the upheaval of World War II, that deeply shaped Tange’s outlook. He came to believe that architecture should focus not just on aesthetics, but on the social and cultural needs of a society. For Tange, the destruction and still then ongoing rebuilding of Japan became the foundation of his architectural philosophy. And, as Japan’s capital rebuilt and expanded in the decades following the war, Tange was, likewise, entrusted with several projects, from office buildings to government centers, which became key aspects of Tokyo’s transformation.
Yoyogi National Gymnasium (1964)
Built for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics—the first Games held in Asia—the Yoyogi National Gymnasium remains one of Tange’s most celebrated works. Its dramatic suspension roof—then the largest of its kind—was inspired by Le Corbusier’s Philips Pavilion constructed for the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair and Eero Saarinen’s David S. Ingalls Rink located in New Haven, USA. That said, the gymnasium’s design, with its flowing curves and upward-sweeping eaves, is supposed to be reminiscent of a Shinto shrine, creating a fusion of modern engineering technique and Japanese tradition. 
Quickly garnering worldwide acclaim, it can hold up to 16,000 people and, during the 1964 Olympics, was primarily used to host swimming and basketball events. The gymnasium, however, has since been used for a variety of purposes, including other sporting events, concerts, and even a virtual YouTuber (or VTuber) festival. It also was the designated venue for handball during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
St. Mary’s Cathedral (1964)
Replacing a wooden structure that had managed to survive the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, but not the devastating air raids of World War II, St. Mary’s Cathedral can be found in Bunkyo—a special ward in north-central Tokyo. 
Tange’s design was ultimately selected as part of a 1960 competition held to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the reintroduction of Catholicism to Japan. And, while it makes use of a cruciform architectural plan—meaning it resembles a Christian cross—the design also incorporates Japanese elements, such as the entrance to a grotto, which imitates the traditional way of entering a shrine or temple. When Tange passed away at the age of 91, his funeral was held at St. Mary’s, which continues to serve both as a place of worship and one of Tokyo’s most photographed architectural landmarks.
Shizuoka Press and Broadcasting Center (1967)
A compact office building located in Ginza, the Shizuoka Press and Broadcasting Center is considered to be Tange’s first real experiment with Metabolist design. As previously mentioned, Metabolism was an architectural movement that imagined cities as living, evolving organisms. 
As such, any design should be part of a continuous process of change and, if possible, even promote it. Keeping that in mind, Tange designed the Shizuoka Press and Broadcasting Center as a column with thirteen individual, modular offices connected to this central core. In doing so, he intended that space between the offices could be filled in as demand increased. This ultimately never happened though and the building’s original design remains unchanged today.
Kuwait Embassy, Minato (1970)
In a similar vein, the Embassy of Kuwait, located in Minato, also uses a central core around which modular office and residential units are attached. Again, the design was to allow for future expansion or even possible reconfiguration, reflecting Tange’s continued belief in the principles of Metabolism. It, likewise, reflected a practical reality, in that embassies need to be dual-use in order to balance diplomatic functions with residential needs of the ambassador and staff. What’s more, Tange believed the design showcased internationalism and actually was itself reflective of Kuwait, a newly independent country at the time, in that it expressed progress, or the potential for it.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (1991)
By the 1990s, Tange’s career had spanned several decades, but the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building was perhaps his most ambitious undertaking. Rising above the bustling streets of Shinjuku, the complex (also referred to simply as Tocho) consists of three structures, each taking up an entire city block. The tallest of the three is Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building No. 1, which is actually meant to resemble a gigantic microchip. Tange also intended for the building to evoke the imagery of a Gothic cathedral. Two panoramic observation decks sit atop each of the building’s towers, which offer incredible views of the sprawling Tokyo metropolis. Costing around ¥157 billion (roughly USD $1 billion) in 1991, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building was one of the costliest construction projects in the city’s history and many viewed the final price tag as excessive—especially since it was a government building and, therefore, funded by public money. It’s also worth mentioning that construction began during Japan’s late 1980s bubble economy when land values and building costs were at an all-time high. This period was, of course, followed by years of prolonged economic stagnation after the so-called bubble economy burst in the 1990s known as the “Lost Decade.” 
Despite the rather unfortunate timing of its opening, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, nonetheless, has become a defining symbol of both Shinjuku and Tokyo itself, drawing over two million visitors each year. And, in 2024, the building was also recognized by Guinness World records for having the world’s largest permanent architectural projection mapping display, with shows occurring regularly when weather permits.
Fuji Broadcasting Center (1996)
Tange’s final project under his direct supervision, the Fuji Broadcasting Center (also known simply as the FCG Building) is a rectangular structure with a giant spherical observation deck located in Odaiba—a large artificial island in Tokyo Bay. 
The building, which serves as the headquarters of Fuji Television Network, consists of two towers, within the main structure, connected by three enclosed footbridges. Considering the nature of the work occurring within, studios were specially designed to reduce outside noise and even disrupt radio waves from passing ships. Owing to its location, the building’s exterior is also clad with salt-resistant titanium. Inside the sphere, there’s an observation deck with views of Tokyo’s waterfront, alongside a rooftop garden, shopping mall, restaurants, and event spaces open to the public.
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Tange’s legacy is woven into Japan’s modern skyline. His works tell a story of a nation that rebuilt itself—all while maintaining connection with its own traditions. And, for travelers seeking something a bit different in Tokyo, checking out these buildings is more than just an architecture tour, but retracing the story of the city itself.
Bonus Recommendations
For more on Japan’s architecture and history, be sure to visit our blog for hundreds of relevant articles, and also check out the further reading below:
- Read our guide to Tokyo Station for more on one of the country's most famous and historic buildings.
- Tokyo makes a great base for day trips to other destinations in Japan using the Japan Rail Pass thanks to its incredible transport connections. Find out more in our guide to The Best Day Trips from Tokyo.
- Tokyo is BIG!! As such, it’s a smart idea to invest in PocketWifi to stay connected and avoid any unwanted data charges if you happen to need directions or language advice while you’re on the move.
- If you’re exploring a huge city like Tokyo during your first time in Japan, it could feel a little daunting. That’s why we’ve put together our Top Ten Tips for First Time Visitors in Japan.
- Need a helping hand on arrival? Our dedicated Meet and Greet Service is like having a personal assistant for your holiday who happens to be an expert on Japan. We’ll take care of you from the moment you arrive in Japan.
