After World War II great strides were made in modern Japanese architecture not only in advanced technology allowing earthquake resistant tall buildings but expressing and infusing characteristics of traditional Japanese architecture in modern buildings.

Spiritual space is lost in gaining convenience. I saw the need to create a mixture of Japanese spiritual culture and modern western architecture.

Japanese architecture is traditionally based on wooden structures that need renovating on a regular basis.

Japanese traditional architecture is created based on these conditions. This is the reason you have a very high degree of connection between the outside and inside in architecture.

Of all the lessons most relevant to architecture today Japanese flexibility is the greatest.

If you examine this I think that you will find that it's the mechanics of Japanese architecture that have been thought of as the direct influence upon our architecture.

Japanese architecture is very much copied in this country and in Europe.

When you look at Japanese traditional architecture you have to look at Japanese culture and its relationship with nature. You can actually live in a harmonious close contact with nature - this very unique to Japan.

I like what I see now in China but I think the Japanese are a step ahead into craziness and weirdness. I go to galleries there that are the size of a New York elevator and every time I'm surprised by the amazing things I find. I really hope I'll be able to promote some of these artists to show their work in the West.