Traditional Japanese architecture showcases such confidence in proportions and intricacy in details that it is hardly possible to improve upon it. Nevertheless, contemporary Japanese designers and architects continually create astonishing reinterpretations of traditional building forms and designs that hold high aesthetic value for both residents and observers.

Whether it is a perfectly preserved traditional house or a sleek modern apartment, the most successful Japanese living spaces are characterized by a preference for cleverly cut rooms, a reduction to the essentials, and a fondness for warm materials like wood, brick, and bamboo, while also embracing concrete, steel, and the latest building materials without hesitation. From a thatched-roof farmhouse now inhabited by a Zen priest, to Tadao Ando's experimental 4×4 house and Shigeru Ban's conceptual "Shutter House," this elegant and beautifully photographed architecture guide showcases the rich diversity of contemporary Japanese living. The volume is complemented by a list of addresses and a helpful glossary of key terms such as tatami, shoji, and noren.

About the series: TASCHEN is 40! Since we began our work as cultural treasure hunters in 1980, TASCHEN has stood for affordable, high-quality, and sometimes audacious publications. Whether it’s art or body culture, we make it possible for bookworms around the world to build their own libraries at unbeatable prices. Today we celebrate our 40th birthday and remain true to our motto: The 40th Anniversary Edition brings together some of the top titles from our program in smart editions—compact format, friendly price, and as always produced with great dedication.