japanese brutalist icons leap from the pages of paul tulett’s photography book

a photographic journey into japan’s Brutalist Architecture

In his latest book, Okinawa-based photographer Paul Tulett explores the world of Japanese Brutalist architecture, highlighting its raw beauty and often-overlooked details. Through a collection of 200 carefully composed images, Tulett captures the bold geometric forms and rugged textures that define these concrete structures. His work offers readers a fresh perspective on the artistry within this distinctive architectural style, shedding light on an intriguing aspect of Japan’s architectural heritage.

Togo Murano, Tanimura Art Museum, Itoigawa, Niigata Prefecture, Japan

architectural paradoxes Through the Lens of Paul Tulett

Emerging in the aftermath of World War II, Brutalist architecture in Japan is defined by its geometric forms, functionality, and unconventional use of unfinished concrete, revealing the material’s imperfections. This architectural movement marked a significant break from Japan’s traditional design principles, blending global Brutalist influences with distinctly Japanese elements that reflect the country’s culture and history.

Paul Tulett (find more here), an expert on Japanese Brutalism, has traveled extensively across the country, capturing hundreds of photographs of this unique aesthetic. His work highlights the paradoxes within Brutalist architecture: the ruggedness of raw concrete alongside refined design, and the way these structures harmonize with urban landscapes while maintaining modernist principles and traditional Japanese motifs. Featuring the work of renowned architects such as Kenzo Tange, Tadao Ando, and Kazuo Shinohara, this volume reveals how Japanese Brutalism, with its fusion of global and local influences, has become a captivating and enduring style in Japan’s architectural heritage.

Okinawa Prefectural and Art Museum