Saga Prefectural Library. Photo by Atsurio Cantabrio, licensed under CC BY 4.0
Saga Prefectural Library (1962)
Designed by Teiichi Takahashi and Yoshichika Uchida, the Saga Prefectural Library encompasses hints of Saga culture throughout the building — notably the Aritayaki tiles that contrast with the concrete walls. The structure was designed for optimal use, and to this day, most of the library’s rooms and spaces function as intended by the architects.
Ichimura Memorial Gymnaiusm. Photo by Atsurio Cantabrio, licensed under CC BY 4.0
Ichimura Memorial Gymnasium (1963)
Junzo Sakakura was one of a handful of Japanese architects who apprenticed under Le Corbusier and led the Brutalist movement in Japan. He designed Saga’s Ichimura Memorial Gymnasium, which used to host various sporting events and welcome just over 800 spectators. Though the memorial is no longer used as a sports facility, it continues to host cultural exhibitions throughout the year. Its facade is reminiscent of a tiara and the concave roof gives the entire structure an overall saddle shape from above.
Saga Prefectural Museum (1970)
Built in the shape of a cross where each arm features a suspended block of concrete, the Saga Prefectural Museum homes artifacts, sculptures and pottery representative of the region. Visitors enter through the lobby, which is at the very center of the cross. From there, four staircases take you up to the exhibition rooms. This building, too, was designed by architects Teiichi Takahashi and Yoshichika Uchida.
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