Asahi Shimbun's Editorial Board Member Wakato Onishi to Receive Architectural Institute of Japan Cultural Award

Wakato Onishi (63), an editorial board member at Asahi Shimbun Company (Representative Director and CEO: Katsu Tsunoda), has been selected to receive the Architectural Institute of Japan Cultural Award. This award recognizes achievements that contribute to the improvement of architectural culture and the enhancement of understanding and recognition of architecture. The awarded achievement is titled "Long-standing reporting and critical activities as an art and architecture journalist, and contributions to architectural culture through these activities." He was highly praised for presenting the value and challenges of architecture in language accessible to general readers, while based on specialized discussions, and for broadening the foundation for public discourse surrounding architecture.

Wakato Onishi, Editorial Board Member (left) and his book "ART and Body and Contemporary Architecture" (Gendaikikakushitsu)

■ Profile of Wakato Onishi, Editorial Board Member

Joined Asahi Shimbun in 1987. For over 30 years, he has been reporting and writing on art and architecture in the culture departments (arts and sciences departments) of the Tokyo, Osaka, and Seibu (Fukuoka) head offices.

In Asahi Shimbun's interview series "Talking: Gifts of Life," he was in charge of architects Tadao Ando, Toyo Ito, and Hiroshi Hara. His book is "ART and Body and Contemporary Architecture" (Gendaikikakushitsu). He currently serves as a visiting professor at Kyoritsu Women's University's Faculty of Architecture and Design and as a part-time lecturer at Nihon University College of Art Graduate School.

■ Comment from Wakato Onishi

"I am extremely honored. In particular, the recognition for 'making a significant contribution to the visualization and sharing of architectural culture through a public medium like a newspaper' is, I believe, thanks to the platform of Asahi Shimbun as a general newspaper. Japanese architecture and art are highly regarded, but the supporting foundation is not sufficient. I intend to continue paying close attention to this aspect."

■ About the Architectural Institute of Japan Cultural Award

The Architectural Institute of Japan Cultural Award is presented to individuals who have contributed to the development of architectural culture and the enhancement of social understanding.

Mr. Onishi is available for requests for interviews and lectures concerning architecture and culture.

For inquiries regarding interviews, lectures, or symposium appearances, please contact the address below.

【Related Links】

・Asahi Shimbun's Editorial Board Member Wakato Onishi receives Architectural Institute of Japan Cultural Award: 'Contribution to architectural culture': Asahi Shimbun

【Links to Representative Articles by Editorial Board Member Onishi】

・Expo architecture is pre-modern: Differences from 55 years ago, commonalities with medieval cities

・The shocking appearance of the Aum Shinrikyo compound: Advanced warehousing, are architects unnecessary?

・Fuji TV Headquarters Building: Designed by the world-renowned Tange Associates, a dream for the bay area and its current state

・The 'Tower of the Sun' transcends time and space: From planned demolition to important cultural property, its outrageous presence

・Is the 'optimal solution' provided by AI the correct answer? An interview with Tomohiko Yamanashi of Nikken Sekkei