Structural decline: what happened to Japan’s iconic buildings?
Japan once had a reputation for statement architecture – yet many buildings have been torn down since 2000. A new book reminds us of their futuristic beauty
TL;DR
- Japan built many significant large-scale buildings between the 1950s and 1990s.
- A new book documents 90 of these buildings demolished since 2000.
- Reasons for demolition include high property values and earthquake-related construction improvements.
- These lost buildings served as important landmarks and examples of architectural innovation.
- The disappearance of landmarks makes navigation harder in Japan, where street names are less common.
- Examples of demolished buildings include the Sony building in Ginza, the Shohondo sanctuary of Taisekiji temple, and unique petrol stations designed by Junzo Sakakura.