KONNICHIWA!

A newsletter from Oki Sato, general producer.
News on the Japan Pavilion’s progress, and his thoughts for the day.

All Architecture Exhibition Thoughts This and That
Cover image from the fourth issue of the Monthly JP Pavilion

Thoughts

Fourth Issue of Monthly JP Pavilion

I’ve always had a sensitive stomach. If there were a school for having a weak stomach, I’d be an elite, skipping grades and graduating early. I “graduated” from fried food in my early 20s and from yakiniku in my late 20s. Now, I can confidently say that even bananas and yogurt can give me diarrhea.

I’ve been taking probiotics because I can’t continue like this. Although I’ve seen some improvement, the stress of remembering to take them daily is starting to feel like it’s worsening my intestinal health.

Amid all this, the fourth issue of Monthly JP pavilion has arrived. Imagining that the microorganisms I’m diligently ingesting are connected to the origin of life across the urban landscape, the universe, and through time and space slightly eases the stress of my morning probiotic routine.

Cover image from the third issue of the Monthly JP Pavilion

Thoughts

Welcome to the Third Issue of Monthly JP Pavilion!

Mr. Yanagihara’s insights on Japanese food and fermentation was fascinating.

He talked about how Japanese cuisine values the original taste of ingredients, using “subtraction” to create complexity and depth, as opposed to the Western approach of “addition.” This philosophy of balance and harmony, rather than impact, is also seen in Japanese design and manufacturing.

As we plan the Japan Pavilion, I keep reminding myself not to overload it with information or lose the essential message while striving to make it easily understandable and impactful. Just a heads-up: don’t read this article on an empty stomach. The photos are seriously mouth-watering!

Cover image from the second issue of the Monthly JP Pavilion
Overall photo of the coiled Suiryu-san diagonally from the front left side.
Suiryu-san as seen from behind. The golden fin and two horns growing from its head are symbolic. Sunlight shines down from the top left of the image.

Thoughts

Welcome to the Second Issue of Our Monthly Magazine, Monthly JP Pavilion!

This month’s edition is packed with engaging content, but let’s dive into the excitement surrounding the unveiling of the JUNKAN Museum...a moment I’ve been eagerly anticipating.
Now, let’s take a moment to appreciate the enchanting rear view of Suiryu, the water dragon, captured in our latest image.
Isn't it captivating?
It’s funny how seeing Suiryu’s back view brought back memories of the time I was stunned by the cover on the access door of the Merlion in Singapore.
Beyond the artwork itself, I find the subtle incline of the platform where Suiryu resides quite appealing.
If it were flat, we wouldn't get that same sense of “circulation” and “pulse” that are central to our exhibit, would we?
Moreover, there’s a noticeable fondness for Suiryu evident in Ms. Komatsu’s choice to address the dragon with the honorific “san.”
Yet, it’s amusing to note that when affectionately referring to Suiryu as MYAKU-MYAKU, she opts for the more casual “kun” honorific (laughs).

Cover image from the first issue of the Monthly JP Pavilion

Thoughts

“Monthly JP pavilion,”
Has Been Published.

Finally, “Monthly JP pavilion,” has been published. Well, I guess for you, the term “finally” might not pack the same punch, right?
As you flip through the pages of our monthly magazine, you’ll get a pretty solid sense of what the Japan Pavilion is all about—that’s the vibe we’re aiming for. So kick back, relax, and dive in without any grand expectations.
Huge shoutout to everyone who pitched in and lent a hand, despite all the curveballs life threw our way! With just one year left, let’s keep pushing forward and make the Japan Pavilion a spot where folks can look back and think, “Hey, I’m glad I was part of that whole Japan Pavilion thing” in, oh, let’s say about a decade from now.

Cover image from the first issue of the Monthly JP Pavilion

Thoughts

“Monthly JP pavilion,”
Has Been Published.

Finally, “Monthly JP pavilion,” has been published. Well, I guess for you, the term “finally” might not pack the same punch, right?
As you flip through the pages of our monthly magazine, you’ll get a pretty solid sense of what the Japan Pavilion is all about—that’s the vibe we’re aiming for. So kick back, relax, and dive in without any grand expectations.
Huge shoutout to everyone who pitched in and lent a hand, despite all the curveballs life threw our way! With just one year left, let’s keep pushing forward and make the Japan Pavilion a spot where folks can look back and think, “Hey, I’m glad I was part of that whole Japan Pavilion thing” in, oh, let’s say about a decade from now.

Cover image from the second issue of the Monthly JP Pavilion
Overall photo of the coiled Suiryu-san diagonally from the front left side.
Suiryu-san as seen from behind. The golden fin and two horns growing from its head are symbolic. Sunlight shines down from the top left of the image.

Thoughts

Welcome to the Second Issue of Our Monthly Magazine, Monthly JP Pavilion!

This month’s edition is packed with engaging content, but let’s dive into the excitement surrounding the unveiling of the JUNKAN Museum...a moment I’ve been eagerly anticipating.
Now, let’s take a moment to appreciate the enchanting rear view of Suiryu, the water dragon, captured in our latest image.
Isn't it captivating?
It’s funny how seeing Suiryu’s back view brought back memories of the time I was stunned by the cover on the access door of the Merlion in Singapore.
Beyond the artwork itself, I find the subtle incline of the platform where Suiryu resides quite appealing.
If it were flat, we wouldn't get that same sense of “circulation” and “pulse” that are central to our exhibit, would we?
Moreover, there’s a noticeable fondness for Suiryu evident in Ms. Komatsu’s choice to address the dragon with the honorific “san.”
Yet, it’s amusing to note that when affectionately referring to Suiryu as MYAKU-MYAKU, she opts for the more casual “kun” honorific (laughs).

Cover image from the third issue of the Monthly JP Pavilion

Thoughts

Welcome to the Third Issue of Monthly JP Pavilion!

Mr. Yanagihara’s insights on Japanese food and fermentation was fascinating.

He talked about how Japanese cuisine values the original taste of ingredients, using “subtraction” to create complexity and depth, as opposed to the Western approach of “addition.” This philosophy of balance and harmony, rather than impact, is also seen in Japanese design and manufacturing.

As we plan the Japan Pavilion, I keep reminding myself not to overload it with information or lose the essential message while striving to make it easily understandable and impactful. Just a heads-up: don’t read this article on an empty stomach. The photos are seriously mouth-watering!

Cover image from the fourth issue of the Monthly JP Pavilion

Thoughts

Fourth Issue of Monthly JP Pavilion

I’ve always had a sensitive stomach. If there were a school for having a weak stomach, I’d be an elite, skipping grades and graduating early. I “graduated” from fried food in my early 20s and from yakiniku in my late 20s. Now, I can confidently say that even bananas and yogurt can give me diarrhea.

I’ve been taking probiotics because I can’t continue like this. Although I’ve seen some improvement, the stress of remembering to take them daily is starting to feel like it’s worsening my intestinal health.

Amid all this, the fourth issue of Monthly JP pavilion has arrived. Imagining that the microorganisms I’m diligently ingesting are connected to the origin of life across the urban landscape, the universe, and through time and space slightly eases the stress of my morning probiotic routine.

Information