The 1964 Tokyo Olympics symbolized Japan's revival after the traumatic Second World War. Its vigor stemmed from the power of modernity. Kenzo Tange - a contemporary architect and native Japanese born during the war era, designed one of his masterpieces, the Yoyogi National Gymnasium, as a gift to his country. Combining traditional Japanese style with modernism was his signature. The suspension roof design was in response to its proximity to the Meiji Shrine. And he believed the Olympics to be the moment to offer the world a new Japan without forgetting its tradition through his architecture.
Yoyogi National Gymnasium
A gift from the master for the Olympics
