The Charter for Architecture in the Seto Inland Sea was drawn up by Tadashi Yamamoto, an architect in Kagawa, and others.

"Value architecture as a medium for protecting the environment of the Seto Inland Sea and understanding the relationship between the environment and humans in the area." 
(Excerpt )

Let's examine some architecture that embodies Yamamoto's vision.

Seto Inland Sea Folk History Museum (1973)

The Seto Inland Sea Folk History Museum was selected as a national important cultural property in 2024, the first architectural work from the 1970s recognized as such.

The building was designed by architect Tadashi Yamamoto, who was a government employee at the time. He was also involved in the planning of the current East building of Kagawa Prefectural Government Office designed by Kenzo Tange.

As shown in a miniature building model, the History Museum is comprised of square exhibition rooms with a courtyard in the center.

The unique exterior walls are made of stacked stones. Masatoshi Izumi, Isamu Noguchi's partner, was entrusted with the construction of the sharp, interesting stone walls. The walls are made of andesite, which was excavated during the foundation work.

Let's look at the details.
Square motifs are used inside the building as well.

The pattern produced by the brick floor tiles was also designed by Yamamoto. The brick floor tiles were made to order by a local ceramic company.

The concrete columns with rounded corners have a surface textured by the wood used for the concrete forms.

The frameless windows make the garden look like a folding screen painting.

The building features stairs designed to counterbalance the elevation differences on the site.

The ideal approach to architecture is changing. The History Museum was designed in harmony with nature, and it opened in 1973. It has a timeless appeal and still stands tall to this day.

Buildings Designed by Tadashi Yamamoto

●Shiro-no Me

●the Sanuki Mingeikan (Folk Craft Museum)

Basic information
Seto Inland Sea Folk History Museum

a.k.a Yashimāru Yashima Mountaintop Facility (2022)

Yashimāru, a new facility in Yashima, was unveiled in 2022.
It was designed by Takashi Suo of SUO, Inc., an architect that previously worked for Kazuyo Sejima & Associates. In the design of the building, Suo explored the ideal approach to architecture, so that he could realize the potential value of the terrain and the environment of Yashima.

The building was built to follow the curving terrain. It bends like a meandering river. To achieve this design, all of the building materials were made to order.

The dimensions of the glass windows are different, resulting in a very complex building shape.

The aji-stone roof tiles make the building feel light and delicate.

The broom-finished floor makes the curved building look sharper.

Yashimāru won the Japan Federation of Construction Contractors' BCS Award in 2024.
The award was presented in recognition of the sophisticated techniques used to create the aesthetic value of the building, the management team that tirelessly explored the possibilities of the facility and the industry-academia-government collaboration fostering innovation in Yashima.

In summer, admire the sun sinking into the Seto Inland Sea. Come and discover scenery you won't find elsewhere.

Basic information
a.k.a Yashimāru Yashima Mountaintop Facility

Anabuki Arena Kagawa (Kagawa Prefectural Arena)(2025)

Kagawa Prefectural Arena is accessible to everyone who wishes to come here for a walk or to admire the scenery, much like a public park. 
The building was designed by SANAA, an architectural firm co-founded by Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa. It was selected to be on the 2025 Prix Versailles World's Most Beautiful Arenas list.

The building's characteristic large roof forms a gentle curve which blends into the scenery which includes the Sanuki mountains and the islands of the Seto Inland Sea.

The open space under the roof was designed in consideration of the movement lines from the city to the sea.
At the top of the building approach, there is panoramic view of the Seto Inland Sea.

The semi-outdoor space under the eaves ensures a feeling of openness.

The Prix Versailles jury selected the arena in recognition of the building helping to shape the unique landscape by unifying the city and the sea.

Main Arena

There are no walls between the interaction space (lobby) and the spectator's seats, which gives the area a feeling of unity.

Despite the low ceilings, the pillar-free auditorium appears large and open. It is designed for easy viewing from any location.

VIP room

The seats are in colors evoking the landscape of the Seto Inland Sea area.

The interaction space is filled with natural light and looks like an extension of the sea.

Sub Arena

The sub arena is used for regional sports activities.

Martial Arts Facility

The wood spectator's seats and walls are made of locally produced hinoki cypress.

Buildings in Kagawa Designed by SANAA, an Architectural Firm Co-founded by Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa

●Marine Station Naoshima(Design:SANAA)

Basic information
Anabuki Arena Kagawa (Kagawa Prefectural Arena)

Related pages

▼Stroll around the spots! Experience Modernist architecture and works in Takamatsu, the city of art.
https://www.art-takamatsu.com/en/travel/sightseeing/entry-440.html
▼Worth Seeing If You Have Half a Day! Takamatsu Stone Culture and Stone Sculpture Artwork
https://www.art-takamatsu.com/en/travel/sightseeing/entry-439.html
▼Close in on the attractions of Yashimāru, a new symbol of Yashima!
https://www.art-takamatsu.com/en/travel/sightseeing/entry-850.html
▼Fully enjoy the landscape of the Seto Inland Sea and art at the Takeshi Kawashima Art Factory Museum and the Goshikidai area.
https://www.art-takamatsu.com/en/travel/sightseeing/entry-839.html#chapter-12