[Award] "Kasumigaura Animals and Everyone's House" has been awarded the "2026 Architectural Institute of Japan Award (Works)".

April 20, 2026

TOC

"Kasumigaura Animal and Everyone's House" has been awarded the "2026 Architectural Institute of Japan Award (Works)".

Thank you for your continued patronage of MOFF Co., Ltd.

We are pleased to announce that "Kasumigaura Animal and Everyone's House (Namegata City, Ibaraki Prefecture)," which is operated by our company, has received the "2026 Architectural Institute of Japan Award (Works)," the highest-ranking architectural award in Japan, hosted by the Architectural Institute of Japan.

The Architectural Institute of Japan Award is one of Japan's most prestigious awards, given to outstanding architectural works completed in recent years that have contributed to the advancement of academics, technology, and art, and have made a significant contribution to the progress of architectural culture.

■ "An entrance to nature" designed with architect Ippei Takahashi

This facility, a result of a major renovation of the former Water Science Museum, was reborn on July 31, 2024, as a "gateway to nature," designed by architect Ippei Takahashi. The concrete walkway surrounding the perimeter connects the rich nature of Lake Kasumigaura, the sky, and the land. "By letting in light and wind and welcoming animals, it returns to the natural environment"—this innovative and philosophical attempt has led to high praise as a piece of contemporary architecture.

"Animals and Everyone's House" aims to be more than just a place to exhibit animals; it wants to be a place where people can reflect on and think about various things through animals and nature.

In today's world, where answers are readily available, we hope that by directly experiencing the warmth of life and immersing yourself in the cycle of nature, you can become the kind of person who can think beyond that and ask yourself, "What can I do to protect the global environment?" We hope that the experience here will be a small but certain catalyst for such a future.

With this prestigious architectural award in our hearts, all of our staff look forward to welcoming you to our park in the future.