The museum, which contains the famous twin screens "Irises" by the 17th century artist Ogata Korin, as well as a variety of paintings, sculptures and arts and crafts from Japan, China and Korea, is located on the territory of a former city manor near the bustling Omotesando Boulevard.
The aim of the reconstruction was to create a feeling of "wa" - "Japanese harmony" for the visitor. Kuma's practical task was to preserve the secluded, closed character of the complex, while following the principles of Japanese architecture. The resulting project combines the individual elements and general principles of traditional architecture with the language of modernism, which simplified and typified details and forms.
The building under a heavy gable roof, with emphasized vertical supports, acquired almost entirely glass walls - this is both a tribute to the 21st century, and a reflection of the "permeability" of a traditional Japanese house, its close connection with the surrounding nature (in this case, with the garden). Bamboo is widely used - from external walls and ceilings to benches and lockers in the storage room.
If the main building was reconstructed and doubled in size, the museum cafe was completely rebuilt. In this small building, Kuma used glass and oiled paper as the main materials, re-combining modernity and tradition.
