In 1952, soon after the end of World War II, I-House was founded as a private, nonprofit organization to serve as a venue for international exchange in academic research. The need for such an institution was keenly felt by those who believed that Japan and the United States engaged in warfare because of a lack of mutual understanding. The founding of I-House was supported by American philanthropist John D. Rockefeller III and like-minded individuals. Since then, I-House has served as a hub for exchange among intellectual and other leaders from various fields. In 2022, the seventieth anniversary of its establishment, I-House merged with the Asia Pacific Initiative, an independent, private-sector think tank. As a result, I-House now has the capacity to undertake research programs with significant social impact, in addition to the resources of an internationally minded membership organization and the facilities to accommodate world dignitaries to become a leading hub for intellectual dialogue not only in Japan but in the broader Asia-Pacific region, as well as globally.

1) Balancing efforts for the preservation and management of the fundamental structure and design with the ensuring of safety and functionality.
2) Organizing and preserving documents related to the buildings and garden.
3) Conducting appropriate maintenance, preservation, and management that takes the historical context into consideration.

The Roppongi 5-chome West District is slated for large-scale redevelopment, and the neighborhood surrounding I-House is expected to undergo significant change. The area along Toriizaka will be reorganized into a center for research and cultural activities. While the West Wing and Annex are scheduled to be dismantled as part of the redevelopment project, I-House will do all it can to preserve the main building and garden as historical and scenic assets. The West Wing will be rebuilt in line with the redevelopment of the surrounding area.

I-House will be reborn through the construction of a new West Wing and the renovation of the interior of the main building. The harmonious blending of the new and old will result in a space that members and guests from Japan and abroad will cherish, thereby enhancing the value of an I-House membership. We also hope to further expand our program
activities.

Following the reorganization, the functions of I-House as a hub for intellectual dialogue and cultural exchange will be greatly enhanced. The library salon and co-working space will be expanded to promote opportunities for exchange between members—both long-timers and those in the younger generation. Dining and bar facilities will also become forums for dialogue and exchange. The community of members will develop into a diverse and inclusive network encompassing the Asia-Pacific region, in line with I-House’s roots and its mission to serve as a venue for intellectual dialogue with people from around the world.
We will also strengthen our strategic partnerships with related organizations in order to provide a richer variety of events and upgraded content, organizing special lectures
by members who are leading figures in various fields and implementing projects in the public interest undertaken by the program department.

I-House will develop its programs in four broad areas: 1) international relations, regional studies and geopolitics; 2) social systems, governance and innovation; 3) civilization studies and philosophy; and 4) art and design.

The Institute of Geoeconomics, established in July 2022, has gained prominence for its recognition of the importance of geoeconomics, which integrates strategies for international economics and geopolitics. Initiatives like the Silicon Valley Japan Platform, Policy Entrepreneur’s Platform, and Asia Leaders Fellowship are helping strengthen links between entrepreneurs and the policy community. The Art and Design Program, meanwhile, promotes artistic exchange by inviting internationally renowned artists and architects to Japan. It also aims to generate relational value through art by promoting dialogue between artists and entrepreneurs.
Moving forward, we will further enhance international collaboration and strive to become a hub for knowledge exchange in the Asia-Pacific region.

The fusion of the old and new, as seen in the existing harmony between the main building (architecture) and the garden (nature) and in the addition of the new West Wing, will become the symbol of the new I-House. This endeavor will be advanced in accordance with three concepts.

1. Fusion of Nature and Architecture

We seek the fusion of nature and architecture as a new symbol of I-House, embracing the rich natural landscape and ease of movement of the former Iwasaki residence garden, as well as the main building’s openness and its harmony with the garden.

2. Blending of Old and New

We will carefully preserve the main building, a masterpiece of Japanese modernist architecture, and the former Iwasaki residence garden, designated as a place of scenic beauty by Minato-ku, to create a new landscape where these elements are in harmony with the new West Wing.

3. Encouraging Intellectual Dialogue and Cultural Exchange

The fusion of nature and architecture and ease of movement in the garden and interior spaces will result in a knowledge hub that will encourage encounters, dialogue, and exchange between people.

I-House will be reborn as a space where people gather from all over the world, finding comfort in connecting with nature, fostering understanding and respect for one another, and advancing intellectual dialogue.
To emerge as a knowledge hub for the Asia-Pacific, we have formulated three concepts to turn I-House into a “symbol of the future.”

SANAA
Sejima and Nishizawa were jointly awarded the Golden Lion at the ninth Venice Architecture Biennale in 2004, the Pritzker Prize in 2010, and the Praemium Imperiale award in honor of Prince Takamatsu in 2022.

Donation Office
International House of Japan
Tel: 03-3470-9806（weekday 9 am-5 pm）
E-mail: okimochi@i-house.or.jp