Questioning the spirit of Japanese architecture today, this book tries to identify the mind-set and philosophy driving some of the world's foremost eastern designers. It reveals the personalities and passions behind the cool, abtract exterior of the Japanese design scene in the form of a collection of interviews. Renowned architects speak out on issues ranging from the rebirth of Japanese design after World War II to progressive technologies, while newcomers disclose the trials and tribulation of "making it" in today's competitive market. If past and present are any indication of the future, then this volume predicts that Japanese architecture will gain a stronger foothold and following in global design theory in the decades to come.