Frank Lloyd Wright

A global master of modern architecture who overcame the slump

He is one of the three great masters of modern architecture. His works are characterized by geometric decoration and flowing spatial compositions, following the trend of modernism. He is also known for collecting ukiyo-e prints and being a Japanophile, and he contributed to the development of modern Japanese architecture.

In 1917 (Taisho 6), Frank Lloyd Wright came to Japan with his assistant Antonin Raymond to design a new wing for the Imperial Hotel.
Takayoshi Shiraishi and Antonin Raymond, who made a major contribution to the founding of our company, have since become close friends with their families.
Behind the creation of our company was the design of the Imperial Hotel by world-renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, which fostered friendship between Japanese and American engineers.

Oh, those Japanese craftsmen! How clever they were, and how skillful and hardworking they were. So instead of squandering this precious human treasure by forcing our ways on them in an attempt to implement preconceived construction methods, we were happy to learn from them and work with them in their own way.
As the building began to take shape amid what had seemed like chaos, the workers became increasingly interested. As certain aspects of the building became visible and complete, it was not uncommon to see workers gather here and there to admire and critique with understanding. There was a warmth of interest and deep joy. This was something not seen in the American construction industry at the time, and it was a testament to the interest, joy, and sincerity of the Japanese workers in their work.
I thought that if they could stop blindly accepting the new and unknown Western way of life and instead take advantage of the beautiful, mentally healthy Japanese way of life and just adapt to that pattern, they would have less to lose.

(Olgivanna L. Wright, translated by Raku Endo, "The Life of Wright" published by Shokokusha)