On a rainy but vibrant day in late April, over 300 professionals from 13 countries gathered in Tokyo for a landmark event co-hosted by AIA International and AIA Japan, with support from Mori Building and North Glass. As part of AIA International’s broader engagement across Asia, the event featured an exclusive tour and panel presentation at the newly completed Azabudai Hills, followed by a high-profile reception at Hills House with cuisine by renowned chef Kiyomi Mikuni.
Multilingual Tour Through Design and Innovation
The day began at the Mori JP Tower, where attendees, divided into English and Japanese-speaking groups, joined guided tours led by Midori Omori (Mori Building), Jun Mitsui (Jun Mitsui & Associates / Pelli Clarke & Partners), and Paul Gao (North Glass), with support from their teams. Organized into six groups of 20, participants received insights into the project’s development, design vision, and technical achievements.
Although the rain prompted a change in the starting point, energy remained high. More than 120 people took part in the tour, made more accessible through real-time multilingual commentary via the Zello app.
Engaging Dialogues at Hills House
After the tour, participants gathered at Hills House for a panel program introduced by Segene Park, AIA International President-Elect and Event Chair. He welcomed attendees and acknowledged the collaboration of partner organizations including the Japan Institute of Architects (JIA), Korea Institute of Architects (KIA), Hong Kong Institute of Architects (HKIA), Urban Land Institute Japan (ULI Japan), American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ), and the German Chamber of Commerce (AHK Japan). He also shared updates on AIA International’s design awards, mentorship initiatives, and the upcoming 2025 International Conference in Sri Lanka.
Moderated by Silas Chiow, AIA International Sponsorship Director, the panel brought together:
Naomi Sato, President of JIA, who spoke on the Tokyo International Forum and its lasting architectural impact
Kenzo Nakakoji, Project Planning & Design Manager at Mori Building, who discussed the development and urban vision of Azabudai Hills
Paul Gao, CEO of North Glass Group, who shared insights on the advanced technical innovations behind the project’s signature glass façades
The discussion that followed sparked a vibrant exchange across disciplines, with a full room and lively engagement throughout.
An Evening of Culinary and Cultural Exchange
The event continued with a reception at Hills House, where guests enjoyed a specially curated menu by Chef Kiyomi Mikuni, a legendary figure in Japan’s culinary world. Just two days later, he received prestigious government awards, adding further prestige to the evening.
Attendees included architects, students, investors, academics, general contractors, and industry leaders from across Asia and beyond, reflecting the event’s broad international reach.
Setting the Tone: Pre-Event Dinner at Gonpachi
A welcome dinner was held at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu, famously known as the inspiration for the Kill Bill fight scene. The gathering welcomed international guests from Korea, Hong Kong, and China and included representatives from AIA International, AIA Japan, KIA, JIA, Nihon University, North Glass, and Schüco Japan. This informal evening of cross-cultural exchange set the tone for the collaborative spirit of the event.
Behind the Scenes: Coordination and Flexibility
Planning began in February with Mori Building’s early support, enabling access and coordination for the Azabudai Hills tour. Hills House was confirmed in March, followed by catering arrangements and promotions in April.
Despite last-minute technical issues, including lighting and HVAC challenges in Room A, the team swiftly adapted. The panel was relocated to Room C, and Room B was prepared for the reception. Rehearsals on April 25 and 26 ensured a smooth experience for all involved.
A Meaningful Impact Beyond Numbers
While the event was part of AIA International’s sponsorship program and not designed for financial return, its professional and cultural impact was profound. With support from six nonprofit organizations and one university, it demonstrated how architecture, development, and innovation can transcend borders.
This Tokyo event reflected AIA International’s ongoing commitment to building global networks and celebrating excellence across disciplines and geographies.
Segene Park, AIA
President-Elect, AIA International
Event Chair
