But now, more and more, its society is concerned with economy and finance.

I create enclosed spaces mainly by means of thick concrete walls. The primary reason is to create a place for the individual, a zone for oneself within society. When the external factors of a city's environment require the wall to be without openings, the interior must be especially full and satisfying.

The speed of change makes you wonder what will become of architecture.

I think everyone needs a goal. And what kind of goal will be important. And for that we have to study and we have to be intelligent.

My objective is to design a space that nobody else can come up with while using the material that anyone can use.

Look at London or Paris: they're both filthy. You don't get that in Tokyo. The proud residents look after their city.

I don't look so closely at women's fashion, but from the 20th century on, people have had the freedom to express themselves and their individualities, and fashion is one of the most fundamental ways in which they do this, men and women are equally able to express themselves.