[Award] "Lake Kasumigaura Animal and Everyone's House" has won the "2025 JIA Japan Architecture Award"

"Kasumigaura Animal and Community House (Namegata City, Ibaraki Prefecture)" has been awarded the "2025 JIA Japan Architecture Award".

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

We are pleased to announce that "Kasumigaura Animal and Community House (Namegata City, Ibaraki Prefecture)," which is operated by our company, has received the "2025 JIA Japan Architecture Grand Prize," the highest award in the architectural competition hosted by the Japan Institute of Architects (JIA).

■ "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 work of contemporary architecture.

"Animals and Everyone's House" aims to be more than just a place to display 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.

At our newly opened "Gateway to Nature," our entire staff looks forward to welcoming you.