"Brutalism is often a love-it-or-hate-it movement, but to me, it represents a raw honesty and resilience." These words from author and photographer Paul Tulett’s latest release Brutalist Japan, published by Prestel (Penguin Random House) set the tone for a profound exploration of a misunderstood architectural style. Tulett’s journey into Brutalism began with his intrigue over its polarising reception, where some celebrate its functional beauty while others dismiss it as stark and uninviting. His fascination deepened after moving to Japan to study urban planning and discovering an array of Brutalist structures that uniquely fused modernist principles with traditional Japanese aesthetics. His experiences compelled him to document it extensively, addressing the underrepresentation of the country’s brutalist legacy in architectural discourse. This comprehensive exploration spans over 100 Brutalist buildings across the country, accompanied by more than 220 photographs and insightful commentary.

Reflecting on the inspiration behind the project, Tulett’s interest in the sculptural concrete forms stems from its divisive reception. He elucidates that some admire its raw functionality and honesty, while others focus on its perceived harshness. This duality made him curious about the role subjectivity plays in architectural heritage, particularly when he encountered an abundance of Brutalist buildings upon moving to Japan. Struck by their refinement and integration into the urban landscape, he found these structures largely overlooked by contemporary discussions within architecture. “No one was really covering the style here,” notes the architectural photographer.

'Mono no aware' is a Japanese term that describes the bittersweet awareness of the fleeting nature of beauty and the poignant transience of things.

Underlying Japanese Brutalism is a reverence for the interplay between ephemerality and endurance. As the author shares in the book, “‘Mono no aware’ is a Japanese term that describes the bittersweet awareness of the fleeting nature of beauty and the poignant transience of things. Despite its subjection to ultimate decay, concrete provides a juxtaposed backdrop of seeming permanence to, say, the brief appearance of cherry blossom.” This philosophy is physically embodied in Japanese architecture, where traditional techniques like timber formwork lend tactility and refinement to Brutalist structures; qualities often absent in their Western counterparts.

A significant theme in the book is the hybridisation of Brutalism with critical regionalism, which Tulett identifies as a hallmark of Japanese interpretations of the style. Traditional elements such as gardens, courtyards and seamless integration with the natural environment create modern architecture, distinctly rooted in its Japanese identity. “The combination of concrete and steel with exquisite nail-less carpentry allowed for a continuation of tradition whilst adopting new building technology. The likes of Japanese architect Kunio Maekawa could simultaneously and deftly present modernity and tradition in a way that placated the more patriotic,” explains Tulett in the Adoption section of the book. This contrasts sharply with the perception of Brutalism in the West, where it is often misunderstood and associated with dystopian imagery or totalitarian regimes despite having many international iterations.

The book arrives at a critical moment, as many buildings globally face the threat of demolition. Tulett’s work underscores the urgency of preserving these structures, which he sees as invaluable contributions to modernist architecture and cultural heritage. He challenges the stereotypes that concrete buildings are environmentally unsustainable, arguing that demolishing them releases huge amounts of CO2. Instead, Tulett aligns with the philosophy of 2021 Pritzker Architecture Prize winners Anne Lacaton and Jean-Philippe Vassal: “Never demolish, always transform”. Through a more nuanced exploration of Japanese Brutalism, he hopes to inspire creative renovation solutions and counteract Eurocentric appraisals that frequently overlook or dismiss the style.

In his inquiry, the author emphasises the diversity of Japanese Brutalism, a deliberate choice evident in the buildings featured in the book. From government complexes and schools to barber shops and public toilets, the miscellany reflects not only functional versatility but also stylistic variation. Some buildings evince bold geometric shapes, while others incorporate organic curves or lighter, smoother concrete surfaces. This diversity extends across time as well, with examples ranging from post-war structures to contemporary creations that he dubs “NU-BRU”. This broader scope challenges the stereotype of Brutalism as a relic of the 1960s and underscores its enduring relevance in addressing architectural and environmental challenges.

Documenting these buildings was a labour-intensive process that spanned several years. Tulett’s residency in Okinawa for over six years gave him a comprehensive understanding of local Brutalist architecture, which he describes as distinctly Okinawan. Unlike the common use of concrete in Western Brutalism, Okinawan Brutalism incorporates private residences with concrete alongside large apartment complexes adorned with cultural flourishes such as shisa statues; a mythical lion-like creature believed to ward off evil spirits. Additionally, the use of coral stone and Ryukyu limestone lends these structures a lighter tonality, while traditional techniques such as open courtyards and breezeblocks; known locally as hana blocks or flower blocks, infuse them with cultural identity. These are often incorporated into facades and stairwells and mimic traditional perforated walls known as chinibu, blending ventilation and sunlight protection. The visual artist’s documentation extends beyond Okinawa to mainland Japan, capturing the enduring functionality and public use of industrial structures despite the lack of widespread appreciation.

The cultural context of Japanese Brutalism offers insights into why the style never experienced the decline seen in the West. While Western Brutalism is often dismissed for its associations with dystopian narratives or perceived environmental shortcomings, this style’s integration with traditional elements and practical benefits ensured its survival. Tulett notes that the style has remained a practical choice in Japan, often taken for granted by locals. He recounts interactions with curious onlookers during his photography sessions, highlighting the ambivalence of the public toward an architecture that remains both ubiquitous and uncelebrated.

Despite its resilience, even Japanese Brutalist masterpieces are not immune to the threat of demolition. Tulett shares the poignant discovery of iconic structures like the National Theatre in Tokyo and the Kagawa Prefectural Gymnasium facing potential destruction. He also encountered buildings already shrouded in scaffolding, such as the Fushimi Inari Shrine Ceremonial Hall, slated for demolition due to seismic concerns. These instances underscore the precarious future of Brutalist architecture and the need for broader recognition of its value.

Through the publication, Tulett suggests a call to action and seeks to foster a deeper understanding of the style’s social, historical and cultural significance within Japan’s post-war identity. By showcasing a wide array of designs, he aims to challenge misconceptions and emphasise the aesthetic and functional beauty of these structures. As discourse around brutalist architecture expands, the photographer’s work takes on even more importance. His next book will take readers on a journey through South Korea’s Brutalist architecture, continuing to explore the complex legacies of this style across East Asia. In a world increasingly divided by taste and opinion Brutalist Japan serves as a reminder that understanding breeds appreciation. His detailed and thoughtful analysis invites readers to reconsider their perceptions and engage in discussions about preservation, sustainability and the evolving role of architecture in addressing global challenges.