Yakushima-Based Architecture Firm Crowned Global Leader: tono Named Jury Winner for Best in Sustainability Firm at Architizer A+ Awards 2026

tono Inc. (Headquarters: Yakushima Town, Kagoshima Prefecture; CEO: Nozomu Ono) has been selected as the Jury Winner for 'The Best in Sustainability Firm' in the firm category at the 'Architizer A+ Awards 2026,' hosted by Architizer, the world’s largest architecture platform based in New York. This is a historic achievement, marking the first time a Japan-based architecture firm has won in this category.

The Architizer A+ Awards is a globally prestigious architecture prize, often referred to as the 'Oscars of Architecture,' receiving thousands of entries annually. tono was recognized for its pioneering practice of 'regenerative architecture'—an approach that goes beyond reducing environmental impact to actively restoring and revitalizing entire ecosystems—earning the highest accolade in the sustainability category.

Coinciding with this honor, tono celebrated its 10th anniversary in June 2026. Originally founded in Tokyo, the firm relocated its base of operations to Yakushima in 2020, embarking on a unique journey of redefining architectural practice through deep engagement with nature. This award symbolizes international recognition of that transformative journey.

Regenerative Vegan House (Photo: Shu Ito)

A Decade of Innovation: Yakushima-Based Firm Receives World’s Highest Honor

tono Inc. was founded in Tokyo in 2016. In 2020, amid the global pandemic, the firm relocated to Yakushima, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Immersed in its pristine natural environment, tono reevaluated the fundamental role of architecture. Expanding beyond urban-centric design, the firm broadened its scope to architecture rooted in ecological relationships. tono now redefines architecture not merely as the design of spaces or buildings, but as 'an act of reconstructing the relationships between land, people, and nature,' initiating a new form of practice. This recognition on the 10th anniversary of its founding marks a significant milestone in the journey that began with its move to Yakushima.

Sumu Yakushima (Photo: Rui Nishi)

Sumu Yakushima (Photo: Rui Nishi)

Beyond Sustainability: The Philosophy of 'Regenerative Architecture'

In recent years, 'sustainable architecture'—design that minimizes environmental impact—has become a central theme in the industry. In contrast, tono’s 'regenerative architecture' represents a more advanced philosophy. 'Regenerative' refers to the idea of 'restoring what has been lost and enriching nature and communities through use'—not only reducing harm but actively restoring and regenerating local ecosystems through architecture, aiming to leave the land in a richer state than before construction. This approach treats architecture as a tool for environmental regeneration.

At tono, the focus is on the fungal networks within soil and region-specific ecosystems, placing them at the core of their design philosophy. CEO Nozomu Ono refers to himself as a 'myco-architect,' continuously exploring new relationships between architecture and the natural environment.

What the World Recognized

The Architizer A+ Awards 2026 jury included architects, designers, media professionals, technology leaders, and business executives. The evaluation went far beyond aesthetics or form. tono was recognized for its holistic approach—integrating environmental, social, and economic dimensions through architecture that actively regenerates ecosystems. Globally, the architectural value system is shifting from 'what was built' to 'what was regenerated through building.' This award signifies that tono’s redefinition and practice of architecture from its base in Yakushima has been acknowledged as a new possibility in the global architectural field.

Jury Comment (Excerpt): 'Architecture is moving away from flashy gestures toward more thoughtful directions. Human-scale buildings that blend into the landscape and prioritize place, craftsmanship, and environmental care are regaining attention—and that’s why small architecture firms are now more important than ever.'

Banyan retreat the nest (Photo: Robert Anderson / Co-designer: WAKUWORKS)

A Globally Recognized Milestone: The First Japanese Firm to Achieve This Honor

tono is the first Japan-based architecture firm to be selected in the 'Best in Sustainability Firm' category. The award is publicly verifiable on the official Architizer Winners' Gallery.

▶ Official Winners Page: https://winners.architizer.com/2026/Firm/specialization-4/best-in-sustainability-firm/

Additionally, the winning projects will be featured in the official publication 'Architizer: The World's Best Architecture' (14th edition, scheduled for release autumn 2026), which showcases the world’s finest architectural works. tono will also receive an official press kit distributed globally via v2com newswire.

This recognition ensures that the very question—'What do we regenerate by building?'—is now permanently recorded in the official history of global architecture, transcending mere design excellence.

Designing to Enhance Environmental Value

tono’s distinguishing feature lies not in design or form, but in the question: 'How can we regenerate and enhance the intrinsic value of the land itself?' Particularly in resort developments, hotel projects, and residential designs that coexist with natural environments, tono focuses on designs and supervision that enhance the health and well-being of both ecosystems and people. By engaging from the earliest stages of development—handling concept design, environmental planning, and architectural supervision—tono supports the maximization of a project’s overall value.

◾️ Award Overview

Award Name

Architizer A+ Awards 2026

Category

Firm

Selection Category

The Best in Sustainability Firm / Jury Winner

Organizer

Architizer (New York, USA)

Selected Firm

tono Inc.

Submission Scale

Over 80 countries worldwide, thousands of entries

Notable Achievement

First Japan-based architecture firm to win in this category

Official Record

Featured on Architizer’s Official Winners' Gallery

https://winners.architizer.com/2026/Firm/specialization-4/best-in-sustainability-firm/

Related

Selected for inclusion in the official publication 'Architizer: The World's Best Architecture' (14th edition)

◾️ About the Architizer A+ Awards

The Architizer A+ Awards is a global architecture and design award hosted by Architizer, a New York-based architecture platform. It recognizes excellence across architecture, design, sustainability, and other broad fields.