VOL.200 FEBRUARY 2025
HISTORIC JAPANESE PUBLIC ARCHITECTURE OF THE MODERN ERA Iconic Work of Renowned Architect TANGE Kenzo: Kagawa Prefectural Government Office East Building

Exterior view of the East Building (right lower part) and the high-rise section (formerly the main building) of the Kagawa Prefectural Government Office.
Photo: Kagawa Prefecture

Located in the center of Kagawa Prefecture, in the northeastern part of Shikoku, Takamatsu City faces the Seto Inland Sea to the north. Kagawa Prefectural Government Office East Building, located in the heart of this city, is one of the representative works of renowned architect TANGE Kenzo¹, who was the first Japanese person to win the Pritzker Architecture Prize, often referred to as the ‘Nobel Prize of Architecture,’ and hailed as ‘Tange of the World.’ This article introduces the distinctive features of this architectural masterpiece.

Kagawa Prefectural Government Office East Building (hereinafter, ‘the East Building’) was completed in 1958 and consists of an eight-story high-rise (formerly the main building) and a three-story low-rise (East Building). In 2022, it was designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan under the name ‘Kagawa Prefectural Office Former Main Building and East Wing.’ As a representative building of post-war² modern architecture, it holds significant cultural value and is also known for incorporating expressions of traditional Japanese architecture. In 2019, earthquake-resistant upgrades were completed, and the building continues to serve as an active office. We spoke with an official of the department responsible for managing and utilizing the building to learn more.

“The East Building was designed by architect TANGE Kenzo. It is characterized by structural elements such as columns and beams³ reminiscent of traditional Japanese wooden architecture, as well as balconies with deep eaves⁴ that remind one of the overlapping roofs of a five-story pagoda, and all expressed masterfully in just concrete. This feature is innovative as a style of Japanese modern architecture (see “Past and Future of Public Architecture in Japan: Postmodern History”) and has been highly praised both in Japan and abroad.

“In addition, the piloti⁵ on the first floor of the low-rise building is regarded as one of TANGE’s most successful piloti designs, creating a seamless flow from the main road to the building and integrating the office with its surroundings (as seen in the photo). Furthermore, the lobby on the first floor of the high-rise building is made entirely of glass, fostering continuity with the outdoor space. The interior features a high ceiling of 6.9 meters, with elevators and restrooms centrally located, allowing the surrounding space to expand and create an open atmosphere that welcomes visitors.”

The East Building has since been regarded as a model for government office buildings constructed nationwide. Moreover, murals and furniture created in collaboration with artists have remained beautifully intact. “In the first-floor lobby of the high-rise section, numerous elements from the building’s completion almost 70 years ago still remain, including massive ceramic wall murals, the reception counter, and chairs. These items contribute to the modern and open atmosphere of the space, which still strongly reflects the architectural characteristics of this building.”

The East Building has received high praise from architectural experts worldwide. In 2021, it was the only Japanese building to be selected as one of ‘The 25 Most Significant Works of Post-War Architecture’ in a special feature by The New York Times magazine.

“Visitors can tour shared spaces such as the piloti, the first-floor lobby of the high-rise section, and the south garden. Indoor shared spaces are open for viewing from Monday to Friday (excluding holidays and the New Year) between 8:30 AM and 5:15 PM. The building attracts not only locals but also many architecture enthusiasts from Japan and abroad who come to see this iconic work by TANGE. Information is also available for international visitors through Kagawa Prefecture’s tourism website (English version)⁶, and English brochures are available in the first-floor lobby of the high-rise section. We encourage you to visit and experience this remarkable architecture.”

• 1.TANGE Kenzo (1913–2005) contributed to the development of modern architecture in Japan. His representative works include the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, St. Mary's Cathedral in Tokyo, and the Yoyogi National Stadium. He became the first Japanese architect to receive the Pritzker Prize in 1987.
• 2.Refers to the period following the end of World War II in 1945.
• 3.Refers to horizontal components of a building’s structure that primarily support the weight of the building.
• 4.Refers to the roof section that extends beyond the exterior walls of the building.
• 5.A type of structure where walls are omitted on the first floor, leaving only columns. This creates a spacious area on the ground floor that can be used freely.
• 6. VISIT KAGAWA (Kagawa Official Tourism Website &ndash); Kagawa Prefectural Government Office East Building Feature Page
• 7.Murals created using ceramic tiles. Due to their durability and weather resistance, they are used for both indoor and outdoor decoration and as works of art.
• 8.‘Wakei seijaku’ is a term from the tea ceremony that expresses key principles: ‘Wa’ (harmony) emphasizes the importance of harmony with others, ‘Kei’ (respect) represents the respect for others, nature, and objects, ‘Sei’ (purity) signifies maintaining a pure heart and environment, and ‘Jaku’ (tranquility) denotes calmness and inner peace. It is said that INOKUMA embodied the spirit of Japan’s ideal democracy through this work.
• 9.INOKUMA Genichiro (1902–1993) was born in Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture. A Western-style painter, he was particularly known for his abstract paintings. After World War II, he moved to New York and gained international recognition. The Marugame Genichiro Inokuma Museum of Contemporary Art in Marugame City, Kagawa Prefecture, showcases his works.

By KUROSAWA Akane
Photo: Kagawa Prefecture