With a comprehensive overview of more than 100 projects built or designed in Japan over the past 10 years, ‘New Architecture in Japan’ is an informative and beautifully illustrated book.

Photographer Edmund Sumner manages to capture not only the power of architectural space, but he always allows a glimpse of the surrounding urban landscape by including neon signs, pylons, high voltage power lines and pedestrians into the images. Critical essays by Yuki Sumner and Naomi Pollock contextualize the work, and each project is described in detail with the required drawings.

Included in the book are museums, private houses, schools, shops, hospitals, airports and chapels. It features  cutting-edge, emerging young practices – such as Sou Fijimoto and Junya Ishigami – as well as established, internationally known architects – among them Toyo Ito, Tadao Ando, Kengo Kuma and SANAA.

This illuminating survey is essential not just for architects and designers but also for anyone fascinated by Japan’s unique – and increasing – influence on architecture worldwide.

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