Appointed to Leadership Roles in Two Toyama Architectural Associations
Greeting by newly appointed Chair Nakagawa
On June 5, the 64th Regular General Meeting for FY2026 of the Toyama Association of Architectural Firms was held.
At this general meeting, I was appointed as Director and Deputy Branch Chair of the Takaoka Branch.
As the importance of seismic diagnosis and seismic retrofitting continues to grow, I feel a great sense of responsibility.
Greeting by New Chairman Tokuda
The 75th Regular General Meeting of the Toyama Society of Architects and Building Engineers was held on Saturday, May 30.
Following the election of officers, I was elected Director and Head of the Tonami Branch.
Due in part to the nature of my work, I have served as Chair of the Wooden House Seismic Diagnosis Committee within the Toyama Association of Architectural Firms. However, this is my first time serving as an officer of the Toyama Society of Architects and Building Engineers.
Although the Society of Architects and Building Engineers and the Association of Architectural Firms may sound similar, their roles are different.
- The Society of Architects and Building Engineers is an organization for individuals who hold the qualification of architect.
- The Association of Architectural Firms is an organization that supports businesses operating as architectural design offices.
In my own case, I obtained my architect qualification relatively late, and I only joined the Society of Architects and Building Engineers recently. Until now, I had not been deeply involved with the organization.
Under these circumstances, I have now taken on the significant responsibility of serving as Head of the Tonami Branch.
The Society of Architects and Building Engineers includes not only architects who work at design offices, but also a wide range of professionals, including architects working in government agencies and private companies.
At the same time, like many similar organizations across Japan, it is facing the challenge of a declining membership.
Going forward, I would like to reconsider the role of the Society of Architects and Building Engineers, while helping to deepen interaction and connections among members. Through the qualification of architect, I hope to promote activities that contribute to the local community.
Inaugural Address as Head of the Tonami Branch of the Toyama Society of Architects and Building Engineers
Many different events are taking place in the world today, but I believe the one that will have the greatest impact on our work is, without a doubt, the AI revolution.
Today, I would like to share an episode that changed my outlook on life.
About 40 years ago, I was appointed project leader for the construction of a factory.
At the time, I was young and full of confidence. I prepared a business plan and presented it to Chairman Masataro Takehira, who was then the company’s chief executive.
However, as soon as he heard my explanation, the words he gave me were, “Knowledge alone is of no use.”
He then sternly reprimanded me, saying, “There is no soul in this plan.”
I was deeply shaken. I could not understand what was missing, and I spent about a month thinking it over.
Eventually, I realized that I had been focused only on “what to build,” and that I had failed to consider “with what spirit, and through what kind of craftsmanship, we should create it.”
I revised the plan and submitted it again. This time, the chairman approved it without hesitation.
After that, he did not interfere at all and entrusted everything to me.
Today, we live in an age where AI can gather and analyze information.
However, drawing a single line, drilling a single hole, and deciding how much feeling and commitment to put into one’s work—these are things only humans can do.
Precisely because we are entering the age of AI, I believe that “work with soul” will become more important than ever.
And to make that possible, connections among members are essential.
Rather than speaking loftily about ideals as architects, I would first like to create opportunities for people involved in architecture to meet face to face, talk with one another, and support one another.
I sincerely ask for your cooperation, and with that, I would like to conclude my address.
