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About Hiroshima Architecture Exhibition
The Hiroshima Architecture Exhibition is a festival held in Hiroshima Prefecture every three years with the missions of: advocating for an architecture-led vision of town planning, nurturing the sensibilities of future generations, revitalizing local communities, and preserving examples of exceptional architecture in the regions.
The inaugural Hiroshima Architecture Exhibition 2025 will be held across more than 10 venues, including Fukuyama Museum of Art (Civic Gallery) in Fukuyama City, Onomichi City Museum of Art in Onomichi City, and satellite venues outside of Hiroshima Prefecture.

The Seto Inland Sea region is home to a large number of architectural masterpieces that have been built in response to the region’s unique climate, landscape, and traditions. This is because the inland sea, which Hiroshima Prefecture faces, has served as a major artery of culture and logistics throughout Japan’s history—from the time when the nation first sent envoys to the Sui and Tang courts of China, to the time of the Joseon missions from Korea, and the Kitamaebune merchant ships of the Edo Period. Across this sea, Japan has invited people and cultures from abroad, while also transmitting its culture to the world. In addition to ancient architecture, contemporary architects such as Kenzo Tange, Tadao Ando, Toyo Ito, SANAA, and Shigeru Ban have created challenging and experimental masterpieces here, attracted by the unique magnetism of the Seto Inland Sea region, forged by both nature and civilization. As a result, the region is now a trove of architectural treasures, dating from ancient times to the present.
Under the theme of “Architecture: A New Stance for Tomorrow,” the Hiroshima Architecture Exhibition 2025 will present opportunities to experience, think about, and interact with architecture from various perspectives, including history, climate, landscape, technology, and thought. Visitors are invited to experience firsthand the art of architecture here in the Seto Inland Sea region and join us in seeking out a “new stance for tomorrow.”

The Theme of the Hiroshima Architecture Exhibition 2025
Architecture: A New Stance for Tomorrow
Natural disasters on a global scale, wars, humanitarian crises, and environmental degradation: One quarter of the way through the 21st century, we find ourselves faced with a range of problems and a lingering sense of anxiety.
Here in Japan, the birthrate is declining, the population is aging, the economy is stagnant, and unregulated urban development is transforming our cities and choking them of vitality. How should we make sense of so many problems? How should we solve them?
We believe that “architecture” is not just about making buildings and towns. What it represents is a body of wisdom for creating and nurturing culture, enriching lives, and building a future.
In this festival, we will think about “a new stance for tomorrow” through the prism of architecture.

Dates
Saturday, October 4, 2025 through Sunday, November 30, 2025
Venues
Onomichi City and Fukuyama City in Hiroshima Prefecture and surrounding areas
Onomichi venues: Onomichi City Museum of Art, LOG, ONOMICHI U2, and others
Fukuyama venues: Fukuyama Museum of Art, iti SETOUCHI, Shinshoji Zen Museum and Gardens, and others
Satellite venues around the Seto Inland Sea
Organized by
Kambara Tsuneishi Foundation
https://kambara-tsuneishi-foundation.jp/en/
Supported by
Hiroshima Prefecture, Fukuyama City, Onomichi City, Setouchi DMO, Hiroshima Tourism Association, Hiroshima Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Fukuyama Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Onomichi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Chugoku Shimbun, and others
General Director
Yoshikuni Shirai (Director, Kambara & Tsuneishi Foundation / Special Guest Professor, Keio University Shonan Fujisawa Campus)
Chief Curator
Naotake Maeda (Chief Researcher, Kambara & Tsuneishi Foundation / Guest Professor, Kyoto University of Arts and Crafts)
Participating Architects
Tadao Ando, Toyo Ito, Shigeru Ban, Kazuyo Sejima + Ryue Nishizawa (SANAA), Riken Yamamoto and others
Official Website
https://hiroshima-architecture-exhibition.jp/en/

Main Exhibitions

  • This special exhibition focuses on Japanese architects who have received the Pritzker Architecture Prize, the “Nobel Prize” of its field. The number of Japanese architects who have received the award is now the equal highest for any country, alongside the United States. Why are Japanese architects so highly regarded on the global stage? How did they reach this level? We explore the talent and truth behind this phenomenon.
    Venue
    Onomichi City Museum of Art
    Participating architects
    Eight architectural groups (consisting of nine individuals) who have won the Pritzker Architecture Prize: Kenzo Tange (awarded in 1987), Fumihiko Maki (1993), Tadao Ando (1995), Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa (2010), Toyo Ito (2013), Shigeru Ban (2014), Arata Isozaki (2019), and Riken Yamamoto (2024).
    • National Taichung Theatre (Taiwan) / Design by Toyo Ito / ©Toyo Ito & Associates, Architects
      National Taichung Theatre (Taiwan) / Design by Toyo Ito / ©Toyo Ito & Associates, Architects
    • Christchurch Cardboard Cathedral (New Zealand) / Design by Shigeru Ban / Photo by Stephen Goodenough
      Christchurch Cardboard Cathedral (New Zealand) / Design by Shigeru Ban / Photo by Stephen Goodenough

  • The Kambara & Tsuneishi Foundation is currently working on a project to reconstruct architect Kenzo Tange’s private residence. The residence, which was originally built in 1953 in the Seijo district of Tokyo before eventually being demolished, will be recreated in Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture, overlooking the Seto Inland Sea.
    The Hiroshima Architecture Exhibition 2025 will feature an exhibition about the reconstruction project.
    Venue
    Shinshoji Zen Museum and Gardens (within the Mumyoin Main Hall)
    • Kenzo Tange Residence / Photo by Kenzo Tange / Courtesy of Michiko Uchida
      Kenzo Tange Residence / Photo by Kenzo Tange / Courtesy of Michiko Uchida
    • A House (Tange Kenzo House) / Design: Tange Kenzo / 1953 (demolished) / Model 1:3 / 2018 / W6790 D3440 H2215 / Supervisor: Mori Art Museum, Noguchi Naoto / Production: Odawara Meikosha / Installation view: Japan in Architecture: Genealogies of Its Transformation, Mori Art Museum, Tokyo, 2018 / Photo: Koroda Takeru / Photo Courtesy: Mori Art Museum
      A House (Tange Kenzo House) / Design: Tange Kenzo / 1953 (demolished) / Model 1:3 / 2018 / W6790 D3440 H2215 / Supervisor: Mori Art Museum, Noguchi Naoto / Production: Odawara Meikosha / Installation view: "Japan in Architecture: Genealogies of Its Transformation," Mori Art Museum, Tokyo, 2018 / Photo: Koroda Takeru / Photo Courtesy: Mori Art Museum

Location and Main Venues

In addition to the Fukuyama and Onomichi areas, various events will also be held at satellite venues around the Seto Inland Sea.
Fukuyama Area
Onomichi Area

FAQ

  • Q1
    What kind of event is it?
    A
    The Hiroshima Architecture Exhibition is a celebration of the art of architecture. It is held once every three years and uses the lens of architecture to explore society’s origins, history and present-day problems.
    The inaugural Hiroshima Architecture Exhibition 2025 will feature architecture-related exhibitions, tours, talk events, film screenings, and other events at more than 10 venues centered around Fukuyama and Onomichi cities in Hiroshima Prefecture and also at satellite venues outside the prefecture.
    For example, the Open Architecture project will help visitors experience firsthand both the enjoyment and profundity of architecture. Private buildings normally closed to the public will be open for tours, a guidebook will be published to introduce notable architecture from throughout Hiroshima Prefecture and the Seto Inland Sea region, and events will be held to promote architectural tours.
  • Q2
    When will it be held?
    A
    The Hiroshima Architecture Exhibition 2025 will last approximately two months (58 days), from Saturday, October 4 to Sunday, November 30, 2025.
    Other events being held during the same period include: Expo 2025 (until October 13), Setouchi Triennale 2025 (fall session: October 3-November 9), Okayama Art Exchange (September 26-November 24), and Aichi Triennale 2025 (September 13-November 30).
  • Q3
    Where will it be held?
    A
    Architecture-related exhibitions will be held in Fukuyama and Onomichi cities in Hiroshima Prefecture.
    In Fukuyama City there are two areas with venues: the Fukuyama Castle Area: Fukuyama Cultural Zone area and the Shinshoji Temple Museum of Zen and Garden area. The venues in these areas are: Fukuyama Museum of Art, iti SETOUCHI, and Shinshoji Zen Museum and Gardens.
    In Onomichi City there are three areas with venues: the Yamanote: Senkojiyama area, the Machinaka: Onomichi Shopping Street area, and the Minato Side: ONOMICHI U2 area. The venues in these areas include Onomichi City Museum of Art, LOG, ONOMICHI U2, and others.
  • Q4
    Tell me more about the specific exhibition venues.
    A
    As of November 8, 2024, the following venues are planned.
    The venues within Fukuyama City are: Fukuyama Museum of Art, iti SETOUCHI, Shinshoji Zen Museum and Gardens.
    The venues within Onomichi City are: Onomichi City Museum of Art, LOG, ONOMICHI U2.
    Information will be posted on the official Hiroshima Architecture Exhibition 2025 website as more venues are added in the future.
  • Q5
    Are there any venues outside of Fukuyama and Onomichi cities?
    A
    Related events are planned for annex venues outside of Fukuyama and Onomichi cities. As of November 8, 2024, the following are planned.
    Annex venues: Orizuru Tower (Hiroshima City), domaine tetta winery (Niimi City, Okayama)
    Information will be posted on the official Hiroshima Architecture Exhibition 2025 website as more annex venues are added in the future.
  • Q6
    What will be exhibited?
    A
    Large-scale contemporary art festivals of now held throughout Japan. Hiroshima Architecture Exhibition 2025 can be thought of as the “architecture version” of such festivals.
    Exhibits will include architectural drawings, models, and photographs, along with documentary films and movies about architecture.
    Visitors will have the opportunity to directly experience a range of architectural spaces, with full-scale interactive architecture on display along with architectural installations created by architects and contemporary artists (large-scale exhibits that incorporate the particular venue).
  • Q7
    Is there a theme?
    A
    The overall theme of Hiroshima Architecture Exhibition 2025 is “Architecture: A New Stance for Tomorrow.” Each venue’s displays will be held in accordance with this theme. A detailed explanation of the theme can be found here.
  • Q8
    How much is admission?
    A
    Two- or three-day passports are available. With these passports, you will be able to gain entry to all exhibitions held in Fukuyama and Onomichi cities. It is planned the 2-day passport will cost 2,000 yen (including tax), and the 3-day passport will cost 3,000 yen (including tax). Final details of passport pricing, along with information about advance ticket sales, will be posted on the official Hiroshima Architecture Exhibition 2025 website in the spring of 2025.
  • Q9
    How do I get to the venues?
    A
    By train, if you are approaching from Tokyo, get off the Nozomi Shinkansen at JR Fukuyama Station. Nozomi Shinkansen stop at JR Fukuyama Station once every hour and the trip from Tokyo takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes. If approaching from Hakata, it takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to get to JR Fukuyama Station on the Sakura Shinkansen.
    By plane, the best access is from Hiroshima Airport. There are 6 limousine buses per day traveling from Hiroshima Airport to JR Fukuyama Station. (The ride takes about 65 minutes.)
    To get to Onomichi, it is a 20-minute ride on the Sanyo Main Line from JR Fukuyama Station to JR Onomichi Station.

    Getting to Fukuyama
    By train: The nearest station is JR Fukuyama Station (Shinkansen) on the JR Sanyo Main Line.
    By air: From Hiroshima Airport take a limousine bus to JR Fukuyama Station.
    By car: Take the Fukuyama East Interchange on the Sanyo Expressway.
    For more information, please click here.
    https://www.fukuyama-kanko.com/travel/oyakudachi/k_access.php

    Getting to Onomichi
    By train: The nearest stations are JR Onomichi Station (JR Sanyo Main Line) and JR Shin-Onomichi Station (Shinkansen).
    By air: From Hiroshima Airport take an express bus to JR Mihara Station, transfer to the JR Sanyo Main Line, and go to JR Onomichi Station.
    By car: Take the Onomichi Interchange or the Fukuyama Nishi Interchange on the Sanyo Expressway.
    For more information, please click here.
    https://www.ononavi.jp/access/access.html
  • Q10
    Will the Hiroshima Architecture Exhibition be held again?
    A
    Yes, we plan to hold the festival every three years, with the inaugural festival in the fall of 2025, and the second in the fall of 2028.
    After 2028, other cities and regions beyond Fukuyama and Onomichi may be invited to host the event.