@article{ART003362093},
author={Sung-Yong Park},
title={The Formation of Japanese Modern Architecture: The Trajectory of Wakon Yōsai toward Kenzo Tange},
journal={The Journal of Aesthetics and Science of Art},
issn={1229-0246},
year={2026},
volume={78},
pages={144-164}
TY - JOUR
AU - Sung-Yong Park
TI - The Formation of Japanese Modern Architecture: The Trajectory of Wakon Yōsai toward Kenzo Tange
JO - The Journal of Aesthetics and Science of Art
PY - 2026
VL - 78
IS - null
PB - 한국미학예술학회
SP - 144
EP - 164
SN - 1229-0246
AB - This paper examines the meaning of Wakon Yōsai (Japanese spirit, Western technique) in the formation of Japanese modern architecture. Although Wakon Yōsai has often been understood as a concept advocating the integration of technology and spirit, the concept of Wa (Japanese spirit) remained historically ambiguous. This conceptual uncertainty provides a clue to understanding the tensions and adjustments involved in Japan’s architectural modernization. The study argues that the Westernization of Japanese architecture initially emphasized the superficial adoption of Western styles, but gradually shifted toward the technical acceptance of structures and materials. In particular, shinkabe-zukuri-based Wayō architecture represents a critical moment in which stylistic and technological elements were integrated, leading to the emergence of a new Japanese architectural expression. This integration facilitated the transition from traditional timber post-and-beam structures to reinforced concrete frame systems and marked a decisive stage in Japan’s architectural modernization. Furthermore, Kenzo Tange's architecture is understood as the culmination of this accumulated process, marking the moment Japanese modern architecture achieved international universality. By repositioning Wakon Yōsai as a practical concept realized in the architectural domain rather than as an abstract ideology, this study presents a historical perspective for a structural understanding of the formation of modern Japanese architecture.
KW - Cultural Heritage;Japanese Architecture;Kenzo Tange;Modern Architecture;Swoo-Geun Kim;Wakon Yōsai
DO -
UR -
ER -
Sung-Yong Park. (2026). The Formation of Japanese Modern Architecture: The Trajectory of Wakon Yōsai toward Kenzo Tange. The Journal of Aesthetics and Science of Art, 78, 144-164.
Sung-Yong Park. 2026, "The Formation of Japanese Modern Architecture: The Trajectory of Wakon Yōsai toward Kenzo Tange", The Journal of Aesthetics and Science of Art, vol.78, pp.144-164.
Sung-Yong Park "The Formation of Japanese Modern Architecture: The Trajectory of Wakon Yōsai toward Kenzo Tange" The Journal of Aesthetics and Science of Art 78 pp.144-164 (2026) : 144.
Sung-Yong Park. The Formation of Japanese Modern Architecture: The Trajectory of Wakon Yōsai toward Kenzo Tange. 2026; 78 144-164.
Sung-Yong Park. "The Formation of Japanese Modern Architecture: The Trajectory of Wakon Yōsai toward Kenzo Tange" The Journal of Aesthetics and Science of Art 78(2026) : 144-164.
Sung-Yong Park. The Formation of Japanese Modern Architecture: The Trajectory of Wakon Yōsai toward Kenzo Tange. The Journal of Aesthetics and Science of Art, 78, 144-164.
Sung-Yong Park. The Formation of Japanese Modern Architecture: The Trajectory of Wakon Yōsai toward Kenzo Tange. The Journal of Aesthetics and Science of Art. 2026; 78 144-164.
Sung-Yong Park. The Formation of Japanese Modern Architecture: The Trajectory of Wakon Yōsai toward Kenzo Tange. 2026; 78 144-164.
Sung-Yong Park. "The Formation of Japanese Modern Architecture: The Trajectory of Wakon Yōsai toward Kenzo Tange" The Journal of Aesthetics and Science of Art 78(2026) : 144-164.
