Architect Kengo Kuma's involvement in the Osaka Expo and the reconstruction of Noto: The Complexity of Conflicts and Commonalities

On April 23, 2024, the groundbreaking ceremony for the Qatar Pavilion, which will be exhibited at the 2025 Osaka Expo, was held in Yumeshima, Osaka. (Photo: Close-up of the screen of Yomiuri TV Yotube official channel)

The Qatar Pavilion is designed by architect Kengo Kuma (69 years old). At the groundbreaking ceremony, Mr. Kuma explained, "I thought the best way to symbolize the friendship between the two countries was to have a ship floating in the sea." The pavilion is expected to be completed by the end of February next year.

In addition, Mr. Kuma is also working on the pavilion for the "Arsmart" project organized by the World Expo Association. When we asked the architectural firm that Mr. Kuma represents about the pavilions he will be involved in at the Osaka Expo, he replied, "We cannot provide details of each project at this time." Based on this content, it is suggested that there may be more pavilions to be announced at the Osaka Expo in the future.

On April 7 of this year, Kengo Kuma had connections with the mayor of Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture, which was severely damaged by the Noto Peninsula earthquake, and was appointed as an advisor for the reconstruction town development plan. Reported Was. At that time, Mr. Kuma said, "I was shocked by the appearance of Wajima, and it is important to carry out reconstruction while talking with the citizens." According to Wajima City officials, Mr. Kuma's specific activities have not yet been decided, and a committee to review the reconstruction plan will be established in May, and a specific plan will be considered over the next one year. In this process, he sometimes asks Mr. Kuma for advice.

While the Osaka Expo and Wajima City's urban development plans are contrasting, they share a common theme: sustainability. However, there are many opinions that the reconstruction of the Noto Peninsula should be prioritized when it comes to holding the Osaka Expo. In this context, what outcomes will Kengo Kuma bring from a sustainability perspective in a project that unfolds in different contexts, such as the performance of an international event involving large-scale development and the reconstruction of a damaged community?