Begin Japanology

The Life of Kenzo Tange (4x16)

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Kenzo Tange laid the foundations of modern architecture in Japan. On August 6, 1945, the day the U.S. detonated an atomic bomb over Hiroshima, Tange lost all that mattered most to him. Four years after World War II, Tange won the competition to design the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, marking his debut on the architectural scene. As Japan rebuilt and grew, Tange shaped the skylines and landscapes of its cities with landmark projects such as the Yoyogi National Gymnasium, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Buildings, and St. Mary's Cathedral. Tange also developed urban plans for cities outside Japan, including Nigeria's capital, Macedonia's capital, and Naples in Italy. By the time of his death in 2005, Tange had completed over 330 projects. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, we look at the life of architect Kenzo Tange.