Today, summers in Japan are rivalring the tropical climates like Singapore. At the same time, both countries are facing dual-crises related to the simultaneous phenomena of urban density and shrinkage — brought about by increasing urbanisation, rapid population aging, skyrocketing housing costs, and community isolation.　Faced with such dynamic challenges, the conventional hardware-centric approach of filling cities based solely on function and efficiency is no longer enough. This leads to the question of "How Does Japan's "Human-Centric Spatial Wisdom" Respond to Asia's Rapidly Changing Environment?".

The world's attention is now turning toward Japan's signature strength: the "micro-level, resilient spatial wisdom" that meticulously safeguards the quality of human life amidst a volatile environment.

To spearhead this conversation, the top runners shaping the future of architecture in Japan and Singapore will gather at JCC for the SJ60 Archi-Connect 2026, showcasing the powerful moment where Japan-born philosophy and practice intersect with Singapore's urban dynamism.

This event is part of the official celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Japan (SJ60).

Date:

Tuesday, 23 June 2026

Time:

6pm – 8pm (Registration starts 5:30pm)

Venue:

Japan Creative Centre (JCC)
4 Nassim Road Singapore 258372

Admission:

FREE (Registration required)

5:30PM - 6PM

Registration

6PM - 6:15PM

Opening Address by JCC
Project Overview by Nakagawa Daiki

6:15PM - 7:15PM

Presentations by Japanese and Singaporean Architecture Firms
• Mr Tamaki Kota and Ms Julia Ka Yee Li, Co-Founders of HÜNE Architects
• Mr Ito Masaru, CEO of SHIBAURA HOUSE
• Mr Chaw Chih Wen, Principal Architect of Hyphen Architects
• Ms Lee Hui Lian, Principal Architect of OMG Atelier

7:15PM - 8PM

Panel Talk: "To Live in a Human-Centric City"

8PM

Closing

© Shun Fukuda

© HÜNE Architects

© HÜNE Architects

HÜNE Architects is a Tokyo-based architectural practice, licensed in Japan. The office challenges conventional preconceptions of architecture, exploring experimental materials, innovative construction methods, and playful design approaches to create new aesthetic forms. HÜNE Architects' work is driven by the continuous inquiry into the idea of a "Human Nest" — a space where one can truly inhabit and be themselves freely. They will be represented by co-founders Mr Tamaki Kota and Ms Julia Ka Yee Li,

Mr Tamaki Kota joined Toyo Ito & Associates, Architects in 2009 after completing his studies at the Graduate School of Environmental Studies at the University of Tokyo. There, he was involved in the design and supervision of a range of projects in Japan and internationally, including the Baroque International Museum in Puebla, Mexico. In 2019, he co-founded HÜNE Architects, where he continues to explore new possibilities in architecture through design, research, and making.

Born in the UK and raised in Hong Kong, Ms Julia Li Ka Yee studied architecture at the University of Bath (BArch, 2006) and the Architectural Association in London (AADipl, 2008). She moved to Japan in 2009 and spent 14 years at Toyo Ito & Associates, Architects. Since co-founding HÜNE Architects in 2019, Julia has continued to explore new possibilities in architecture through a broad cultural perspective and a critical approach to making.

Mr Tamaki and Ms Li's presentation will demonstrate how the spirit of vibrant architecture inherited from their mentor, Toyo Ito, is being updated into today's complex contexts. They will discuss HÜNE Architects' experience as "translators" who materialised designs under Japan’s environment and regulations for the Singapore Pavilion at the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, and explain design methodologies of "intentional margin" to accommodate diverse contemporary lifestyles.

© Iwan Baan

© SHIBAURA HOUSE

Located in Shibaura, Tokyo, SHIBAURA HOUSE is a community space and office building designed by world-renowned architect Sejima Kazuyo that is open to the public. Taking advantage of its spacious, open glass-enclosed interior, it operates as a hub where people come together through events, workshops, and a café. It also actively collaborates with international artists and architectural groups, functioning as an international cultural center. They will be represented by CEO Mr Ito Masaru.

In 2011, Mr Ito Masaru rebuilt his family's photoengraving company into SHIBAURA HOUSE. In recent years, he has focused on projects bridging social issues and creativity. Through the "Waterfront City Circular LAB." project, partnered with the Minato Ward office, he explores new ways to engage with the local waterfront. He also fosters community engagement through SHIBAURA HOUSE and continues to drive design-driven social initiatives across Minato Ward

Mr Ito's talk will explore the importance of spatial maintenance from an owner's perspective, detailing how maintaining "margins" through high ceilings and glass walls, while consciously deprioritizing profitability, transformed the space into a "cultural embassy" where local residents and creators intersect.

© Khoo Guo Jie

© Hyphen Architects

Hyphen Architects is a Singapore-based design practice exploring the post-human world through spatial inquiry, drawing from art, technology, history, and critical theory. Working across disciplines, they use design as a speculative and critical tool to examine emerging relationships in contemporary society. Guided by a dose of cynical optimism, they imagine alternative realities while remaining attentive to the complexities and contradictions of the present. They will be represented by Principal Architect Mr Chaw Chih Wen.

Mr Chaw Chih Wen honed his craft working in New York City and Shanghai upon graduation from National University of Singapore (NUS)'s Department of Architecture before returning to Singapore to establish Hyphen Architects. Most recently, Chih Wen was named a recipient of URA's fourth edition of "20 under 45", recognising emerging voices contributing to Singapore's architectural discourse.

As a research and architectural studio operating at the intersection of design, technology, and socio-politics, Mr Chaw's talk will explore new paradigms of contemporary social systems and space, such as projects that redefine migrant worker dormitories into communities connected via digital networks.

© Studio Periphery

© OMG Atelier

OMG Atelier is a Singapore-based architecture and design practice whose work extends into interior and exhibition design, as well as various creative and artistic spatial expressions. Each project, regardless of scale or scope, is an opportunity for the studio to explore the intricate and layered dimensions of the human experience. They will be represented by Principal Architect Ms Lee Hui Lian.

Ms Lee Hui Lian is a registered architect, an educator, and an eternal artist at heart. After earning a Master of Architecture from the National University of Singapore (NUS), she began her career at FARM and later founded OMG Atelier in 2021. Her diverse portfolio across residential, conservation and exhibition design projects has earned recognition through various awards, including being recognised as one of Singapore's emerging architects in URA's fourth edition of "20 under 45" and the SIA-YAL Young Architects Award (Honourable Mention) in 2024.

Ms Lee's talk will explore the studio's practice of collaboration with local craftsmen and utilising local materials into spaces. This is seen through architecture that creates a warm, multi-generational living environment through "in-between spaces" gently connecting the interior and exterior, rooted in nature and daily life.

Is this your first time to Japan Creative Centre? Follow the map below to Japan Creative Centre now.

Getting to Japan Creative Centre
4 Nassim Road Singapore 258372
Tel: +65-6737-0434

By Public Bus:
Bus services: 7, 36, 77, 105, 106, 111, 123, 132, 174, 174E, 502, 502A, 502B (Alight in front of Delfi Orchard)
For latest information on bus routes and fares, please refer to SBS Transit.

By the MRT:
You may also take the MRT to the nearest MRT station, Orchard (NS22).
Train fares, travel times and route maps are available on the SMRT website.

Driving to JCC:
Nearest parking is at Orchard Hotel, Delfi Orchard and Orchard Rendezvous Hotel.