The Japan Foundation (JF) is pleased to be co-organizing "Beyond Borders: Architectures of Japan," an exhibition of contemporary Japanese architecture, in collaboration with Design Society (Shenzhen, China), to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and China.

Japanese architecture has won widespread acclaim globally for its outstanding aesthetics and advanced design techniques. Transcending established boundaries, it now serves as a bridge between Japan and the rest of the world. This exhibition presents 36 carefully selected projects by 22 internationally active Japanese architectural groups, showcasing diverse achievements connecting the local with the global. Featuring buildings both large and small, permanent and temporary, the exhibition will include models, drawings, photographs, and video images of these projects.

The exhibition venue is the Shenzhen Sea World Culture and Arts Center, a cultural complex designed by Fumihiko Maki in the Sea World area of Shekou Peninsula. The exhibition will introduce major architectural works by Japanese architects in China, and shed light on the Japan-China exchanges surrounding these works. It will also present contrasting works from other parts of the world to introduce dynamic developments in contemporary Japanese architecture, which transcends boundaries between East and West. By comparing projects from around the world and between architects, the exhibition will focus on the use of geographic characteristics as well as continuities of design, and will also include works by the next generation of architects to explore new architectural possibilities.