Formed by the Pritzker family together with the Hyatt Foundation in 1979, The Pritzker Architecture Prize seeks to "honor a living architect or architects whose built work demonstrates a combination of those qualities of talent, vision, and commitment, which has produced consistent and significant contributions to humanity and the built environment through the art of architecture."  The family hoped the award would not only stimulate architects but encourage the public to take more notice of the buildings surrounding them. 

A team of highly qualified and diverse jurors make the careful selection each year and with no shortlists announced, no runners-up and no limits on who can be nominated, the decision is always highly anticipated. First awarded to Philip Johnson, creator of the Glass House (1949) it recognized his contributions in the field of modern and post-modern design. Most recently, the Indian architect Balkrishna Doshi was recognized for his serious architecture, deep sense of responsibility and his desire to "contribute to his country and its people through high-quality, authentic architecture." 

By acknowledging not only the architect's physical works, but also their attitude and impact, the prize reflects the role of architecture on society as a whole—and, thus, is highly coveted. Unsurprisingly, there have been numerous Japanese architects awarded the prize, and their presence has stretched from 1987 to 2014, reflecting a steady influence on the architectural world.

Kenzo Tange

Kenzo Tange was the first Japanese architect to become a laureate after being awarded the 1987 prize. Designer of Tokyo's Olympic stadiums in 1964, he was also a great teacher and theoretician of architecture, with a long-reaching influence on those who studied alongside him. Following the destruction of WWII, Tange was responsible for the reconstruction of Hiroshima and formed the Peace Center and Park — lasting monuments to the city's loss and reflections of hope for the future with a modern, timeless design.

Always looking to the future, Tange embraced modern technology and designed urban spaces that would support Tokyo's commuters with designs allowing for growth and change. His works include the Shinjuku Park Tower, St Mary's Cathedral, Yokohama Museum of Art, Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and the Taipei World Trade Center, all with a modern style still at home in 21st-century cities. The jury noted his ability to lift hearts with designs that "emerge from some ancient and dimly remembered past and yet are breathtakingly of today". 

Fumihiko Maki 

Six years later, the unapologetically modernist Fumihiko Maki was awarded the prize for his ability to fuse concepts, focus on details and diversify constantly. Having studied alongside Tange at the University of Tokyo, they were both founding members of the avant-garde group known as the Metabolists who focused on architecture as organisms with flexibility, growth and revolution at the forefront of their designs. 

His bold designs include the National Museum of Modern Art in Kyoto, Makuhari Messe in Tokyo and the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium — all of which reflect his futuristic style, the latter example especially. Maki himself stated that "it is the responsibility of the architect to leave behind buildings that are assets to culture" and strived to do so by embracing technology and creating designs that would outlast the trends and fashions of society.

Tadao Ando 

Well-known in Japan, but also around the world as a leading creator, self-taught Tadao Ando was selected for the 1995 honour due to his creations that both "serve and inspire". Born in Osaka and originally a boxer, Tadao decided to become an architect, attended night school and visited the buildings of Corbusier, Frank Lloyd Wright and others in Tokyo before establishing his own design studio in his hometown. Heavily influenced by Japanese concepts of zen, he focused on buildings as practical but also spiritual spaces and would incorporate nature into his designs. 

In their citation, the Pritzker jury noted his ability to create: "[An] assemblage of artistically composed surprises in space and form. There is never a predictable moment as one moves through his buildings." A creative approach to materials, light and space allowed Ando to design thought-provoking and inspiring spaces, be they individual homes, religious spaces or community ones. In Tokyo, his works include Tokyo Skytree, Omotesando Hills and 21 21 Design Site, but his notably prolific career offers plenty more across Japan and the globe.

Kazuyo Seijima and Ryue Nishizawa

Five years later, Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa were jointly awarded the 2010 title, becoming the second duo (and Sejima the second female winner) in the prize's history. Having trained under fellow winner Toyo Ito, Sejima began her own firm in 1987 and was named the Japan Institute of Architect's Young Architect of the Year in Japan a few years after. Nishizawa established his own office in Yokohama before the two joined forces to create SANAA — although both continue to work on projects independently.

Described as "deceptively simple" in the jury's statement, the designs of the duo were admired for their ability to create refined, subtle spaces which are "simultaneously delicate and powerful, precise and fluid, ingenious but not overtly clever."  Having designed the New Museum of Contemporary Art in New York, the Serpentine Pavilion in London and Louvre-Lens Museum in France, their reputation for artistic and timeless designs is known across the globe. In Tokyo, they have designed the Christian Dior Building in Omotesando and the Issey Miyake Store, while in Japan they have created the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa, among others.

Toyo Ito 

The first of two successive years of Japanese laureates, Toyo Ito was awarded the prize in 2013. Known for conceptual architecture, emergency design and environmental considerations, his catalogue reflects an astounding variation in projects across the world. Deeply affected by the 2011 Tohoku disaster, he formed a group of architects including Kazuyo Sejima and Kengo Kuma, to create community spaces called Home for All for those left displaced.

His ability to create community spaces and sports stadiums alike reflects his enduring loyalty to focusing on the individual needs of each project and the surrounding environment. The jury noted that his ability to keep "structure, space, setting technology and space on an equal foot" and his innovative creations as well as his dedication to nurturing future architects in their decision. In Tokyo, Tod's Omotesando Building, the Tama University of Art's Library and the Za-Koenji Public Theater all display his fearless use of space and bold design, with his personal favourite being the Sendai Mediatheque in Northern Japan. 

Shigeru Ban

Only a year later, the most recent Japanese architect was awarded the prize: Shigeru Ban, known worldwide for his tremendous efforts to aid in emergency situations through architecture and design. Paving the way for architects to engage with governments, agencies and charities in times of disaster, his impact cannot be underplayed and was a key point in the jury's decision. His use of everyday materials for both regular and emergency designs offers an insight into his alternative style, as does his use of spacial divides and their role in homes and other spaces. 

Described as direct, honest, but never ordinary, his style is sometimes playful, sometimes explorative and always encompasses a respect for those who will inhabit the spaces he creates. His most famous projects include the Centre Pompidou-Metz in France, the Paper Dome in Taiwan and the Cardboard Cathedral in Christchurch, New Zealand. In Tokyo, the Mount Fuji World Heritage Center and Setagaya City Hall are part of his legacy, with many large projects like the New Osaka City Museum of Modern Art and the Odawara City Art and Culture Center ensuring it continues across Japan. 

As the country with the second most laureates (narrowly beaten by the USA), Japan continues to be a hub of leading architectural design, with seasoned architects maintaining links with students and supporting their growth in the industry. With their influence felt both in their home country and around the world and a tradition of supporting newcomers, Japan's role in the global architectural field is set to grow.

By Lily Crossley-Baxter 

Similar to this:

Showcasing Japan in Architecture

Living architecture: Six lesser-known outdoor architectural museums in Japan

Dereliction and discovery: Haikyo as an exploration of Japan, past and present