"Tadao Ando: Challenge," an exhibition exploring the half-century career of the unrivaled architect Tadao Ando, opens on September 27th at the National Art Center, Tokyo in Roppongi, Tokyo. At a press conference held on April 12th, Tadao Ando himself appeared on stage to outline the exhibition and discuss its highlights. The idea for this exhibition, which commemorates the 10th anniversary of the opening of the National Art Center, Tokyo, was born out of the long-time friendship between museum director Tamotsu Aoki and Tadao Ando. Aoki spoke about this in his opening remarks, and after a warm and friendly conversation about the two men's friendship, Tadao Ando appeared. "The title of this exhibition is 'Challenge,' but I feel that there are a lot of timid people in Japan these days. I chose 'Challenge' because I want people to be more courageous and open up new worlds," he said, explaining the meaning behind the title. Self-taught without any formal training, Ando has created groundbreaking architectural works that challenge conventional wisdom. However, when it comes to his outlook on life, he says, "My life has been a constant series of despair. I never graduated from university, and I recently suffered from cancer and underwent several major surgeries. But despair alone isn't enough. When you feel hopeless, try again. I want to live life with a goal in mind, without shying away from hardship." In his twenties, Ando traveled the world, seeing many different buildings. It was upon seeing Kenzo Tange's signature Kagawa Prefectural Office Building that he became aware of the "public nature of architecture" and resolved to become an architect who "creates places where people gather." Since then, Ando's work has expanded beyond architecture, from the Sumiyoshi Row House to numerous churches and a series of projects on Naoshima Island in Kagawa Prefecture. His work has focused on the future, questioning the very nature of cities.

In order to allow visitors to experience Ando's architectural world more realistically, the exhibition will display 200 design documents such as models, sketches, and drawings, as well as spatial installations and a full-scale reproduction of the Church of the Light. During the exhibition, a gallery talk by Ando is also scheduled, providing a valuable opportunity to experience firsthand his passion for architecture.
【Exhibition Information】
"Tadao Ando Exhibition: Challenge"
Location: The National Art Center, Tokyo, Special Exhibition Room 1E + Outdoor Exhibition Space
Address: 7-22-2 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Dates: September 27th - December 18th
Hours: 10:00 - 18:00 (until 20:00 on Fridays, last entry 30 minutes before closing)
Admission: 1,500 yen for adults, 1,200 yen for university students, 800 yen for high school students
Closed: Tuesdays