Japan Symposium 2023 PART I
A multifaceted event organized by AIA International this July celebrated Japan’s leading role in architectural and urban renewal as well as the region’s spirit of fostering international collaboration. Sponsored by industry leader NorthGlass, the seven days in central Tokyo and Osaka treated attendees and delegates from AIA and ASSC (Architectural Society of Shanghai China) to talks by esteemed guest speakers and a landmark signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two associations. In addition, a variety of guided walking tours showcased Japan up close and personal and explored its storied architectural history as well as its cutting-edge, cosmopolitan present.
The beginning of the event arguably underlined the risks, as well as the opportunities and rewards, of collaboration on a global level. Due to current geopolitical tensions, members of the ASSC delegation from China encountered difficulties in acquiring entry visas to enter Japan in time for the event. Despite some unfortunate cancellations, requiring a slight adjustment to the event itinerary, most were able to arrive in Japan along with their AIA counterparts as planned on Wednesday, July 19 and were treated to a Shinjuku bus tour before getting settled for the activities ahead.
Perhaps serving as a counterpoint was the first major event on Thursday, a pivotal business meeting between two leading firms in the facades industry. Schueco is a German firm based in Bielefeld specializing in high-quality, high-efficiency façade systems. Generously sponsoring the overall event is NorthGlass, a Chinese firm based in Tianjin specializing in innovative oversized glass panels, notably used in major Apple flagship stores. The two, with origins from different corners of the planet, are positioning to enter the Japanese market.
Discussions, led by Schueco Japan President Seng Chye Koek and NorthGlass CEO Paul Gao, delved into a variety of matters. On the regulatory side, NorthGlass noted the intricacies of product certification (especially in a seismically active country), in part due to the lack of testing facilities able to accommodate its oversized glass products. On the marketing side, the Japanese market’s preference for laminated and annealed glass was cited as a unique challenge.
Nevertheless, the meeting was productive for both companies and sent an optimistic signal of future cooperation in the Japanese market, as well as international collaboration in general regardless of geopolitical circumstances. After the meeting Schueco opened its doors and gave ASSC delegates a tour of its shared offices in the Business Center, one of two new towers by Ingenhoven Architects, as well as the overall Toranomon Hills Complex originally designed by Nihon Sekkei.
Despite early organizational setbacks, the first two days set a positive atmosphere for all involved. Featured next, we’ll share details of the talks and tours hosted in Tokyo and Osaka from July 20-24, 2023. Stay tuned!
Written by Marco Lau, M.Sc. Architektur, AIA
Contributor to AIA International Communication & PR Committee
