Book Launch: Towards a Nude Architecture in Yugawara, Japan

On Friday 5 April is the Japanese launch of Towards a Nude Architecture at the Yugawara Retreat Enso Ryokan. Author Yuval Zohar will talk all about the making of the book, the cultural importance of Japanese onsen and the diversity in architecture. Afterwards, you can buy the book and have it signed by Yuval himself.

About the book

As one of the most volcanically active geographies in the world, the islands of Japan gush with nearly 30,000 naturally occurring hot springs, or onsen, of varying temperatures, colors, and mineral compositions. When superimposed over the country’s history, their timeline winds its way through ancient religions, warring empires, medical marvels, and modern day pop-culture, forming a vital part of the national identity.

Combining photos, drawings, collages, and diagrams from over a decade of travel across the country, Towards a Nude Architecture explores this narrative through an architectural lens, presenting a visual journey of water and steam spanning centuries and geographies. In three chapters examining past, present, and future, the book looks at the spiritual roots of bathing, the diverse structures built around the tradition, and the lasting influence of this poetic mingling between architecture, nature, and the naked body. Facing declining visitors and increased privatization, compounded by recent global crises, the need to promote and preserve these bastions of public space is more crucial than ever.

The book is available in the (online) bookshop and in our webshop.