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Kagawa Prefectural Government Office East Building

Photo：Dai Koike　　

HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Kagawa Prefectural Government Office East Building

Experience world-class architecture in “Art Prefecture" Kagawa

Kagawa prefecture

Located in Takamatsu City, northeastern Shikoku, the Kagawa Prefectural Government Office East Building (Former Main Building and East Building) is one of the masterpieces of world-famous architect Kenzo Tange. Completed in May 1958, the complex consists of an 8-story building with a 3-story penthouse on the roof and a 3-story building that houses the prefectural office hall and is an outstanding example of postwar modernist architecture.

Traditional Japanese architectural elements are cleverly expressed with reinforced concrete construction and emulate forms found in shrines and temples. The spacious, welcoming lobby, and the free-plan structure of the floors by adopting a core system are superior in terms of design and have historical value. The building was designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan in February 2022.

Highly regarded worldwide, in 1999 the building was selected as one of the 20 Best Modern Architectures in Japan by DOCOMOMO Japan, an organization that works to preserve modern architecture. In 2021, it was the only Japanese work to be selected as one of The 25 Most Significant Works of Postwar Architecture in a special feature of The New York Times Style Magazine.

The complex also features a ceramic tile mural titled "Wakeiseijaku (Harmony, Respect, Purity, Tranquility)" by Genichiro Inokuma, a painter from Kagawa Prefecture, and furniture pieces by interior designer Isamu Kenmochi. The first floor is open to the public, and the space has been casually used by Kagawa citizens for more than 60 years. How about experiencing history, culture, and art at the cornerstone of “Art Prefecture” Kagawa?