15 Best Architecture Firms in Japan

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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 2022)
• The number of projects uploaded to Architizer (2009 to 2022)
• The number of projects selected as “Project of the Day” (2009 to 2022)
• The number of A+Awards finalists (2013 to 2022)
• The number of projects selected as “Featured Project” (2009 to 2022)

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 15 best architecture firms in Japan:

15. bandesign,Ltd.

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

Some of bandesign,Ltd.’s most prominent projects include:

• Mirrors, Gifu Prefecture, Japan
• Turn,Turn,Turn,, Aichi Prefecture, Japan
• Secret Garden, Aichi Prefecture, Japan
• The Distance, Japan
• Everlong, Nagoya, Japan

The following statistics helped bandesign,Ltd. achieve 15th place in the 15 Best Architecture Firms in Japan:

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14. Edward Caruso Photography

Architectural photographer specializing in documenting buildings and landscapes and their relation to the people that inhabit and interact with them.

Some of Edward Caruso Photography’s most prominent projects include:

• 94 Kinfolk, Brooklyn, New York, NY, United States
• Sands Point House, Sands Point, NY, United States
• Daiwa Ubiquitous Computing Research Building, Tokyo, Japan
• KSG 3 Maisonette + 1 House, Setagaya, Japan
• Fort Greene Brownstone, Brooklyn, New York, NY, United States

The following statistics helped Edward Caruso Photography achieve 14th place in the 15 Best Architecture Firms in Japan:

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13. tdstudio

tdstudio is a small, collaborative, and diverse international architectural office based in Tokyo.
At tdstudio (Tsushima Design Studio) we strive to create more memorable and enchanting spaces through the utilization of trans-formative architecture. Through thoughtful transformations of the projects site, existing structures, architectural landscapes, and the surrounding environment we are able to create an overall clarity within our architectural projects which helps us to define more “TANGIBLE SPACES”.
In all of our projects we are committed to the creation of Architecture which sensitive to its surroundings not only now, but also throughout the lifetime of the building and beyond. Programmatic functioning, site conditions, regional context, the surrounding environment, as well as local culture’s and technologies are all carefully studied and implemented into each individual project.

Some of tdstudio’s most prominent projects include:

• Mei Zhou Church, Hangzhou, China
• Y-House, Japan
• Tianzhu Marketing Center, Beijing, China
• Shanghai Wujifang, Pudong, Shanghai, China
• N-House, Tokyo, Japan

The following statistics helped tdstudio achieve 13th place in the 15 Best Architecture Firms in Japan:

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12. noiz

New forms of music in their infancy have often been taken as noise.  The name of noiz / architecture, design and planning takes cue from developments in music history as an everyday reminder of the firm’s commitment to unique and insightful design solutions.Keisuke Toyoda and Jia-Shuan Tsai founded noiz / architecture, design and planning in the beginning of 2006.  Both founding principals have significant work experiences in institutional, commercial, and residential design in Japan, China, and the United States.

Some of noiz’s most prominent projects include:

• ITRI Central Innovation Campus Exterior Design, Nantou County, Taiwan
• Mega Nanotube
• My Humble House Store & Gallery, Taipei, Taiwan
• Antiquorum Japan
• Rebirth Tree, Taipei, Taiwan

The following statistics helped noiz achieve 12th place in the 15 Best Architecture Firms in Japan:

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11. CASE-REAL

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 for an essential solution to fit each atmosphere.
Koichi Futatsumata
Designer. Futatsumata is the representative director of “CASE-REAL” focusing on spacial design, and “KOICHI FUTATSUMATA STUDIO” which specializes in product design. He is based in Fukuoka and Tokyo working internationally with variety of works including architectures, interiors, furnitures and products.

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

• House in Saitozaki
• Restaurant on the Sea, Takamatsu-shi, Japan
• House in Tsurumaki, Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
• VILLA IN YORON, Oshima District, Japan
• WINE&SWEETS TSUMONS, Fukuoka, Japan

The following statistics helped CASE-REAL achieve 11th place in the 15 Best Architecture Firms in Japan:

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10. YYAA Yoshihiro Yamamoto Architects Atelier Co.,Ltd.

YYAA is an architect office based on Nara / Osaka , Japan.

Some of YYAA Yoshihiro Yamamoto Architects Atelier Co.,Ltd.’s most prominent projects include:

• House for Aya, Osaka, Japan
• Fukinagashi Flat, Osaka, Japan
• Cafe Franz Kafka, Nara, Japan
• Okayama Building, Osaka, Japan
• Crossroad House, Sakai, Japan

The following statistics helped YYAA Yoshihiro Yamamoto Architects Atelier Co.,Ltd. achieve 10th place in the 15 Best Architecture Firms in Japan:

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9. MOVEDESIGN

Architecture and Interior design studio based in Japan.

Some of MOVEDESIGN’s most prominent projects include:

• belvedere, Sasebo, Japan
• Living with the Sunlight
• Shining Deep Well, Otemon, Fukuoka, Japan
• Boulager Kaiti, Fukuoka, Japan
• House U, Fukuoka, Japan

The following statistics helped MOVEDESIGN achieve 9th place in the 15 Best Architecture Firms in Japan:

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8. 07BEACH

Joe Chikamori_first-class architect/Principal of 07BEACH. Majored in architecture at an art university.Worked at a design and construction company for 10 years in Tokyo.I was in charge of all processes from design to construction management for each projects.2011, I started my own design office 07BEACH.In the same year, I did some projects in Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam.Summer of 2012, I felt opportunities in Vietnam, beyond it, in pursuit of working in some otherAsian countries, I moved to Ho Chi Minh city.Comparing to Japan, it is not orderly and easy for me, and I feel stress many times.But in place of well organized environment, there is more freedom to try in here Vietnam.This makes my attitude as a designer more challenging, and as a constructor, try to make my design inspired with those environment into a reality.I do all processes by myself from designing to site management including purchasing materials.As it stands now, this is how I can manage to do convincing work.Because of this situation, it is difficult to handle several projects at once.I’d like to improve it, but also keep giving priority first to make good work for every singleprojects.

Some of 07BEACH’s most prominent projects include:

• Cheese Tart Shop “BAKE” in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
• Sushi restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
• Ramen Bar Suzuki
• House in Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan
• House Renovation In Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

The following statistics helped 07BEACH achieve 8th place in the 15 Best Architecture Firms in Japan:

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7. Kiriko design office

It was about 40 years ago that they established “Kiriko Design Office” in Kochi Prefecture being surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and the mountains in Shikoku district, which is about 800 km away from Tokyo, the center of the Japanese architectural field.
Currently Masaaki Uemori and Kokutou Uemori are managing the design office.
The feature of their work is that they use a lot of local natural materials.
Many of their work locates in Japan, and a broad range of buildings such as from nursery schools to clinics, apartment complexes, villas, shops and buildings are included.

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

• kokubu, Japan
• Tei, Kochi Prefecture, Japan
• Totoro, Japan
• House T
• ombrage, Japan

The following statistics helped Kiriko design office achieve 7th place in the 15 Best Architecture Firms in Japan:

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6. MORIYUKI OCHIAI ARCHITECTS

Moriyuki Ochiai, born in Tokyo, Japan is an architect and designer.
He established his own studio, Moriyuki Ochiai Architects that 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’s most prominent projects include:

• Aluminum Flower Garden
• ARKHE Beauty Salon, Chiba, Japan
• Dream Dairy Farm Store, Japan
• Pixy Hall, Yokohama, Japan
• YUME MARCHE Store, Japan

The following statistics helped MORIYUKI OCHIAI ARCHITECTS achieve 6th place in the 15 Best Architecture Firms in Japan:

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5. Takeru Shoji Architects.Co.,Ltd.

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 those living by or just passing by
it to feel moved and feel the unique characteristic of the building. It is more important
to me to create an “open” environment with my designs than the actual building
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.
This is a quite different from designing a building for the pursuit of function and
convenience.

Some of Takeru Shoji Architects.Co.,Ltd.’s most prominent projects include:

• Wow! Sta., Niigata, Japan
• sa house, Japan
• Courtyard House in Peach Garden, Niigata-shi, Japan
• OH! House, Niigata Prefecture, Japan
• GO-BANG! house, Japan

The following statistics helped Takeru Shoji Architects.Co.,Ltd. achieve 5th place in the 15 Best Architecture Firms in Japan:

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4. 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
• Cubic House Of Kubogaoka, Moriya, Japan
• Ripple House, Tsukubamirai, Japan
• Scandinavian Middle, Tsukubamirai, Japan
• Hotel PatInn, Ogasawara, Japan

The following statistics helped Kichi Architectural Design achieve 4th place in the 15 Best Architecture Firms in Japan:

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3. SUGAWARADAISUKE Architects Inc.

SUGAWARADAISUKE is an architects and art-directors 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 Inc.’s most prominent projects include:

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

The following statistics helped SUGAWARADAISUKE Architects Inc. achieve 3rd place in the 15 Best Architecture Firms in Japan:

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2. 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 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:

• béret, Kagawa Prefecture, Japan
• Floating-roof house, Kobe, Japan
• House of a Backstage, Tokushima, Japan
• Slide House, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan
• Shawl House, Ehime Prefecture, Japan

The following statistics helped Masahiro Miyake (y+M design office) achieve 2nd place in the 15 Best Architecture Firms in Japan:

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1. HIBINOSEKKEI+Youji no Shiro

Main services of ‘Youji no Shiro’ are designs and surveillances 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 Architecutre, based in Kanagawa, Japan. The company was founded in 1972 and had launched the section
that specialises 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 became to think that existing preschool architecture where classrooms
of same sizes and shapes were lined up weren’t just right.

Some of HIBINOSEKKEI+Youji no Shiro’s most prominent projects include:

• Hanazono Kindergarten and Nursery, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan
• KM Kindergarten and Nursery, Izumi, Japan
• ST Nursery, Saitama Prefecture, Japan
• MURONOKIDS SATELLITE, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
• OB Kindergarten+Nursery, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan

The following statistics helped HIBINOSEKKEI+Youji no Shiro achieve 1st place in the 15 Best Architecture Firms in Japan:

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Other Architecture Firms to Consider

Several other renowned architecture Firms can be found just outside the Top 15, each of which is worth considering for their experience in delivering high quality, large-scale projects across typologies. They include: Nobuo Araki/The Archetype, Koji Hatano Architects, GENETO, id inc., Arbol Design, Ryuichi Sasaki / Sasaki Architecture, SUGA Architects Office Co.,Ltd., SIDES CORE, YUUA Architects & Associates

Why Should I Trust Architizer’s Ranking?

With more than 30,000 architecture firms and over 130,000 projects within its database, Architizer is proud to host the world’s largest online community of architects and building product manufacturers. Its celebrated A+Awards program is also the largest celebration of architecture and building products, with more than 400 jurors and hundreds of thousands of public votes helping to recognize the world’s best architecture each year.

Architizer also powers firm directories for a number of AIA (American Institute of Architects) Chapters nationwide, including the official directory of architecture firms for AIA New York.

A Guide to Project Awards

The blue “”+”” badge denotes that a project has won a prestigious A+Award as described above. Hovering over the badge reveals details of the award, including award category, year, and whether the project won the jury or popular choice award.

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

There are 7 Projects of the Day each week and a further 31 Featured Projects. Each Project of the Day is published on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Stories, while each Featured Project is published on Facebook. Each Project of the Day also features in Architizer’s Weekly Projects Newsletter and shared with 170,000 subscribers.

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We’re constantly look for the world’s best architects to join our community. If you would like to understand more about this ranking list and learn how your Firm can achieve a presence on it, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at editorial@architizer.com.