"Map"

Maps invite people into the unknown, and people get thrilled when presented with one―a simple sheet of paper.
From maps carved into rocks and historically ancient maps used in old times, to digital maps made by satellite in the modern era, we humans have been perceiving the world through a variety of maps.Not only do they help us visualize the world’s shape and overall appearance, but sometimes imaginary worlds are also constructed based on them.
In this issue showcasing various maps, we examine how people have been trying to view the world and what they are trying to see.In the Obayashi Project, we took on the challenge of deciphering and reconstructing in three dimensions a fictional city map called the Hashihara Castle Town Map (Hashiharashi Joka Ezu) drawn by Kokugaku scholar MOTOORI Norinaga when he was nineteen years old.
（Published in 2025）

Gravure: Is this also a map?: View Detail
What Is a Map? MORITA Takashi (Professor Emeritus, Hosei University): View Detail
The Frontiers of Maps: From the Present to the Future WAKABAYASHI Yoshiki (Professor Emeritus, Tokyo Metropolitan University): View Detail
Visible World, Invisible World OTA Akio (Professor, Department of Visual Communication Design, College of Art and Design, Musashino Art University): View Detail
The Dreams and Solitude of a Youth Who Drew Maps YOSHIDA Yoshiyuki (Honorary Director, Museum of Motoori Norinaga): View Detail
OBAYASHI PROJECT Deciphering the Hashihara Castle Town Map: The Imaginary Town of MOTOORI Norinaga Speculative Reconstruction by Obayashi Project Team: View Detail
FUJIMORI Terunobu’s “Origins of Architecture” Series No. 15: Japanese Datum of Leveling Monument FUJIMORI Terunobu (Architectural historian and architect; Director, Tokyo Metropolitan Edo-Tokyo Museum; and Emeritus Professor, University of Tokyo): View Detail
Interesting Facts About Maps: View Detail