Close

Review: Homes in Japan by Francesca Chiorino

Get lost in the pages of a good book—it’s the soul of any room.

Homes in Japan

Japanese architect Tadao Ando once said, “If there is only one culture all over the world, that’s not a good thing.” This need for a diverse and expansive approach to cultural education is non-negotiable. And, as illustrated by Chiorino’s first comprehensive study on contemporary Japanese houses designed by established and emerging architects, there is much to learn from contemporary residential Japanese architecture.

More than 200 pages and gorgeous full-colour images are devoted to 20 architects and designers that work throughout the country. Describing her topic as “fragile, transitory and intensely human,” Chiorino’s superb introductory essay offers both a critical and historic overview. Each section is devoted to one home and titled used the name of the architect, and each project is photographed to illuminate its powerful sense of purpose and place – including cities, the countryside and even suburban residences from names familiar and new, such as Shigeru Ban, Go Hasegawa, Kengo Kuma and Jun Igarishi.

A thoughtful, beautiful immersion into the next generation of Japanese residential design, this stunning new volume offers a glimpse into an elegant, inspired universe.

Homes in Japan

By Francesca Chiorino

Electa via Rizzoli

The Latest

Treetop Sanctuary

The Ritz-Carlton’s intimate treetop retreat offers a rare invitation to connect deeply with nature and culture

Desert Counterpoint

In Summerlin, Nevada, Faulkner Architects and Concept Lighting Lab have revealed a desert home that withstands extremities

On Building to Last

We interview selected architects and interior designers to talk about balancing permanence and progress across their projects

The Culture of Quality

A conversation with Maryam Raeisi, Managing Director of HMA Living by Al Shamsi

What to expect at Feria Habitat Valencia

This year’s fair is set to take place between 29 September and 2 October

ARTDOM Expands to the Middle East

Daria Zolotova, founder of ARTDOM, discusses the brand’s upcoming first major art forum congress, being held at Riyadh on 11-12 November 2025

A Perfect Balance

A bespoke villa in Dubai Hills Grove designed by XBD Collective blends contemporary elegance with high-end craftsmanship

Soulful Sanctuary

Arch Home Interiors has crafted a boutique Pilates studio in Dubai Design District, creating an environment where movement meets self-care

Global Outlook, Local Presence

Henrique Dias, Principal and Middle East Hospitality Design Director for DLR Group, shares the firm’s growth journey in the region

Read ‘Greener Perspectives’ – Note from the editor – September 2025

Read identity magazine's September 2025 edition on ISSUU or grab your copy at the newsstands

identity Design Awards 2025 jury

Meet the judges for the identity Design Awards 2025

Five prominent designers have been selected to judge this year's milestone 11th annual identity Design Awards

Here are 14 Emirati women we admire in the design and creative industry

In honour of Emirati Women’s Day, we celebrate the visionary Emirati women in the industry that are pushing boundaries