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

People tend not to use this word beauty because it's not intellectual - but there has to be an overlap between beauty and intellect.

I don't believe architecture has to speak too much. It should remain silent and let nature in the guise of sunlight and wind

I am interested in things happening around me, and I need to understand what's going on in other artistic sectors like music and literature.

You always want to try to make something new, and, of course, America is the world leader in economics today.

I want to create a space that moves people. It doesn't matter if it is a house, or a museum, or whatever. So, it is somebody sitting on that lawn, just going around and around and feeling really happy. That is something that I'm striving for.

When you look at Japanese traditional architecture, you have to look at Japanese culture and its relationship with nature. You can actually live in a harmonious, close contact with nature - this very unique to Japan.