EVENT
Minato City
Lecture & Culture
Special Exhibition "Learning from Hojoki — Small Architecture to Reweave Life —"
Rethinking contemporary life through Hōjōki
Special Exhibition "Learning from Hōjōki – Small architectures that reweave how we live –"
At 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT, the special exhibition "Learning from Hōjōki – Small architectures that reweave how we live –" has been on view since Friday, August 28, 2026.
The early 13th-century essay Hōjōki by Kamo no Chōmei poses questions about how to live in an ever-changing world. The hermitage where Chōmei lived no longer exists, but his words have been read across ages, offering clues to the essence of dwelling.
Taking as its starting point the small architecture that appears in Hōjōki, "Hōjō no an," this exhibition reconsiders contemporary life and the built environment. Under the direction of architect Yoshiharu Tsukamoto, the exhibition director, architects, designers, artists, and companies each envision their own "Hōjō no an."
Exhibition Highlights
Considering life from a small architecture of about 9 m²
Using the one-jō-square scale—about 9 m²—of "Hōjō no an" as a guide, the exhibition presents various devices that reexamine ways of living through materials, structure, and tools.
Experience multiple "Hōjō no an"
Alongside research on nature and daily life depicted in Hōjōki, multiple hermitages are presented in the venue. As visitors move through the exhibition space, they can encounter "Hōjō no an" composed from different perspectives.
Turning attention to the space between Hōjōki and contemporary life
This exhibition is not solely about interpreting Hōjōki itself. It seeks to focus on the "life" that emerges between Hōjōki and us, offering a chance to reengage with how we live today.
Recommended for
This exhibition is recommended not only for those interested in architecture, design, and Japanese culture, but also for anyone who wishes to consider ways of living in limited spaces and the future of housing. It is well worth stopping by when visiting museums and design venues in Tokyo’s Roppongi area.
Photo: 木奥恵三
Photo: 木奥恵三
- ※Exhibition contents and participating artists are subject to change. For the latest information, please check the official website.
| Period | 2026.08.28–2027.01.11 |
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| Time | Opening Hours 10:00 - 19:00 (last admission 18:30) * Roppongi Art Night special opening hours: Saturday, October 31, 10:00 - 22:00 (last admission 21:30) Closed Days Tuesdays (open on September 22 and November 3), November 21-23, New Year holidays (December 27 - January 3) |
| Location | 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT Gallery 1 & 2 |
| Address | 〒107-0052 東京都港区赤坂9-7-6 |
| Participation Fee | Adults 1,700 yen, University students 800 yen, High school students 500 yen, Junior high school students and under free |
| Contact | 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT, Public Interest Incorporated Foundation Issey Miyake Design Culture Foundation |
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| Related Website | https://2121designsight.jp/program/hojoki/ |