Living in a Japanese House

An in-depth, illustrated exploration of Japanese homes designed by contemporary architects

This carefully curated survey invites readers inside 35 remarkable Japanese houses ranging from well-known homes, such as Stairway House and House SH, to intriguing residences never before published in English.

Providing both architectural inspiration and a window into contemporary Japanese life, Living in a Japanese Home brings together projects by Hiroshi Nakamura, Ryue Nishizawa, nendo, and other celebrated architects, highlighting the diversity of their work. Readers will marvel at an urban wooden tower house surrounded by wetland flora to conjure the jungle; an apartment divided by partitions suspended from the ceiling in lieu of walls; and other unconventional homes designed by Japan’s most exciting architectural talent.

Each project is presented with a multi-page portfolio of images and an informative description that reveals how the home’s design fulfils the client’s vision of an ideal living space. Engaging and insightful texts include reflections from both the architects and the homeowners, revealing their thoughts on the design process and their experience of living in these inspiring spaces. Together, the homes featured here demonstrate the power of good design to transform and elevate everyday life.

Kanae Hasegawa is a craft and design writer based in Tokyo whose work explores how manmade objects are related to environments. She is the author of Where They Create Japan: Creative Studios Shot by Paul Barbera (Frame, 2016) and has contributed to many leading publications including the Financial Times HTSI, Frame, T Japan, Harper’s Bazaar Japan and Esquire Japan