Asia Society Japan will start the new year by hosting architect Naomi Pollock at Art for Breakfast. She'll be delivering a talk titled “Exceptional Japanese Houses: Residential Design from 1945 to the Present.”

Since the end of World War II, Japanese architects have produced some of the most exceptional homes in the world. They are featured in her new book, The Japanese House Since 1945. The book presents the most compelling examples and highlights key developments in form, organization, material, architectural expression, and family living over eight decades. In his Foreword, architect Tadao Ando notes: “This book ... can be said to be a realistic history of post-war Japanese society, as seen through the filter of architectural design... The chain of creativity that began in the architectural world of post-war Japan remains unbroken—this book conveys that sense of hope.”

Ms. Pollock’s latest book has been described as “A complete sourcebook reveling the evolution of the Japanese modern dwelling during eight decades that transformed Japan.”

We invite you to explore the ever-fluid realm of Japanese design and delve into how its language and ethos have evolved over time. Join us to discover this fascinating transformation.

Event and Registration Details

• This event will be conducted in in-person and online, and registration is required.
• In-person participation is for members and guests only. Please pay your fee by credit card (Visa or Mastercard only) or at the door.
• Online participation is open to the public and free.

Speaker Bio

Naomi Pollock
Architect and author

Naomi Pollock is an American architect and author who lived in Tokyo for thirty years. She writes about design and architecture in Japan. Her articles have appeared in numerous publications, including Dwell, Kinfolk, Nikkei Asian Review, Wallpaper* and Architectural Record for whom she is a Contributing Editor. In addition to Japanese Houses Since 1945, Pollock has written Modern Japanese House, Jutaku: Japanese Houses, Sou Fujimoto and Japanese Design Since 1945: A Complete Sourcebook. She was also the editor of NUNO: Visionary Japanese Textiles. She holds Masters degrees in architecture from the Harvard Graduate School of Design and the University of Tokyo’s Graduate School of Engineering. In recognition of her contributions as a journalist and critic, Pollock was invited into the College of Fellows of The American Institute of Architects in 2018.