Today's Close-Up

Japan's Architectural Legacy at Crossroads (2023x13)

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Buildings of high cultural and historical value are being demolished across Japan. The high cost of inheritance tax, as well as issues such as maintenance and seismic reinforcement, is making it difficult to preserve such precious properties. Actor Kyoka Suzuki recently bought Villa Coucou, a 66-year-old detached house designed by a renowned architect. What was her motivation? We also look at some regional efforts to save historical buildings from being scrapped and, together with our guest, think about how architectural legacies can best be handed over to the future. Guest: Goto Osamu (Board Chair, Kogakuin University)