urban design

Osaka Station’s “Exclusion Art”: Hostile Architecture Comes to Kansai

Why did 150 concrete blocks outside JR Osaka Station spark outrage? We explore the divide in Japan's "exclusion art" debate.

What’s With the Chaos of Japanese Power Lines?

Look up in a Japanese city, and you're likely to see a sky view partly obscured by power lines. Here's why Japan's…

Azabudai Hills Hosts Japan’s New Tallest Building. What’s Inside?

The major Azabudai Hills development, home to Japan's new tallest building, opened late last year. What's it like - and what does…

Emergent Tokyo: What Makes Japan’s Capital so Alluring?

Ever wondered what makes up the 'secret sauce' for the world's biggest city? Then this book is required reading.