Towards a Nude Architecture: A Visual Compendium of Japanese Hot Springs

Spend a summer evening virtually visiting a Japanese hot spring in this book launch with author and architect Yuval Zohar.

As one of the most volcanically active regions in the world, the islands of Japan gush with nearly 30,000 naturally occurring onsen or hot springs of varying temperatures, colors and mineral compositions. When looked at together with the country’s history, the story of onsen winds through ancient religions, warring empires, medical marvels and modern day pop culture and is a vital part of the Japanese 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. Examining past, present and future, the tome looks at the spiritual roots of bathing in Japan, the diverse structures built around the tradition and the lasting influence of this poetic mingling between architecture, nature and the naked body.

“Yuval Zohar has brought together his personal experiences and vast knowledge of onsen in a visually striking, beautifully written and highly informative book.” – Nikkei Asia

About Yuval Zohar

Zohar is an architect based in the hot spring town of Yugawara, Japan, working at EXP, designing physical spaces activated through digital experiences. Towards a Nude Architecture is his deeply personal exploration of Japan’s onsen culture through the lens of architecture. Zohar was previously a senior architect at Diller, Scofidio + Renfro in New York, project leader at OMA New York and Hong Kong, and directed JDS Architects activities in China. He has contributed to the design of high profile projects including the New Jindai Sustainable School and Hangzhou Gateway and exhibitions at the Shanghai World Expo and the BMW Guggenheim Lab in Mumbai. Zohar has been featured in television shows, magazines, and as a guest lecturer at academic and professional architecture events around the world. Zohar previously lived in NYC where he attended Japan Society lectures, films and exhibitions.

Autographs and Book Sales

Attendees of Japan Society’s talk and signing with Yuval Zohar will be able to purchase copies of Towards a Nude Architecture: A Visual Compendium of Japanese Hot Springs at the event for a signing and stamping session following his talk, using a special ink exclusive to the venue.

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Japan Society’s 120th anniversary initiatives and related programs are generously supported by Champion Sponsor, MUFG Bank, Ltd.; Advocate Sponsor, Mizuho Americas; and Friend Sponsor, Mitsubishi Corporation (Americas).

Japan Society programs are supported by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

Japan Society Design Events are sponsored by BALMUDA.

Additional support for cultural programs is provided by an anonymous donor; Sendon and BuyJapon; the Sandy Heck Lecture Fund; and Anime NYC.