Kengo Kuma: Building new Japanese histories

Kengo Kuma has a philosophy: to enrich the connection between buildings and nature, “almost tuning-in” to the materials. His architecture is inspired by traditional Japanese design, and he’s a serious critic of the global dominance of concrete.

Time magazine named him the world’s most influential architect in 2021. Kuma’s mission has manifested in iconic buildings including China’s Folk Art Museum, the V&A in Scotland, and Japan’s National Stadium, built for the 2020 Olympics. His work also extends to “micro-architecture”, encompassing pens and sustainable sneakers, among other things.

Broadcaster Nick Luscombe follows Kuma to Japan’s oldest and largest lake, and to the ancient capital of Otsu, to observe an unusual project. Kuma is attempting to represent the history of the area not by constructing a new building, but by creating a monument to a legendary cow. Along the way we hear from Chief Priest Fuke of Mii-dera Temple, and philosopher/writer Seigo Matsuoka.

Presenter/producer: Nick Luscombe
Executive producer: Jack Howson
A Peanut & Crumb production for BBC World Service

(Image: Kengo Kuma. Credit: Jack Howson)