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Whatis "Modakuro"?

The Chronicle of Modern Architecture, also known as "Modakuro,"
is a new type of voice guide app in which anthropomorphic characters
of modern architecture introduce the archtitecture
in the city and the attractions of the region.
Here, we introduce the reason for the birth of Modakuro,
its progress to date, its philosophy, and the thoughts it hopes to convey in the future.

モダクロのキャラクター モダクロのキャラクター

Inspiration and Thoughts Behind the Birth

While some of the modern architecture that was created from the Meiji to Showa periods has aged beautifully, many of them are now on the verge of extinction.
We want to protect the existence and culture of such modern architecture and preserve it for future generations.

With this in mind,we began the production of Modakuro based on the two concepts of "making modern architecture more accessible" and " discovering the charms of towns that have yet to be discovered. "

Bringing Modern Architecture Closer to You

By characterizing modern architecture, Modakuro works to make people aware of the appeal of modern architecture through its characters.
For example, costumes are designed inspired by the building's exterior, interior, and design philosophy, while the character's personality and profile are based on the thoughts and ideas of the architect and owner.

Uncovering the city's charms

Modern architecture is scattered throughout our daily lives.
In other words, cultural heritage is actually erected in the streets we casually pass by.
However, surprisingly few people are aware of this fact.
Modakuro will play a role in discovering and communicating new attractions of the city.

Up to the Present

September 2021

"The Chronicle of Modern Architecture KYOTO" was born.

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美市 礼
You can see
our - building's - features
very well.

Properly conveying the appeal of the buildings

We interview and check with experts and building owners to ensure that we provide correct information about the history and names of modern architecture.

We also try to provide information about the background of the buildings we guide, such as courses that include buildings that are connected to each other in history or buildings that are associated with people who have a connection to the buildings.
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Our staff interviews
each building
one by one.
五乙女 芝蘭

June 2023

Osaka area added & download application released

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August 2023

Disseminating modern architacture and the city's attractions

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The app is equipped with a mechanism
to enjoy walking around the town.

Modakuro, which has been made into a downloadable app has the following features,

  • A map function that shows the distance to buildings

  • A camera function that allows you to take pictures with the characters

  • A stamp collecting function that gives you deigital stamps when you visit a location

The app has been well received as a sightseeing app that allows visitors to enjoy walking around the city.

If you actually walk around,
you'll get a better
sense of our charm.
辰岡 公

From September 2023

Exhibit at KYO-MAF 2023

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From October 2023

Collaborative project at Open House Osaka 2023

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In the Future

Modakuro will continue its activities
and communications based on these two thoughts.

Bringing Modern Architecture Closer to You

In a society that changes with the times, modern architecture continues to stand today in forms that reflect each era.
Modakuro promotes the appeal and value of modern architecture to people of all ages, fostering "modern architecture fans" and revitalizing modern architecture preservation activities.

Specific Initiatives

Promoting the character and attractiveness of modern architecture through public relations activities

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Participation in and sponsorship of regional modern architecture events

Adding Modakuro new areas, new courses, and new characters

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Uncovering the city's charms

Due to the spread of the new coronavirus infection, Kyoto and Osaka are working to diversify their tourist destinations.
By turning an area lined with modern architecture into a guided course,
we will promote the charms of areas that have not yet been recognized by the public.

Specific Initiatives

Calling for tourists from all regions to visit modern architecture

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Participation in and sponsorship of regional modern architecture events

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Promoting the appeal of Japan's "undiscovered tourism resources and modern architecture" to overseas audiences

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Planning modern architecture tours in collaboration with lodging facilities, etc.

With these thoughts, Modakuro will continue to promote the preservation of modern architecture while communicating the thoughts of those who own and maintain architecture and those who are making efforts to pass it on to future generations, and will also work to promote modern architecture as a tourism resource and the appeal of the region.

Call for Partners

Would you like to collaborate with Modakuro?

Would you like to join us in our efforts to promote the appeal of modern architecture by designing sightseeing tours and implementing events using Modakuro?

Also, building owners who wish to create anthropomorphic characters, please contact us from the following link.

Contact Form
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"The Chronicle of Modern Architecture KYOTO" was born.

Released as a browser application in September 2021 in conjunction
with Kyoto's first large-scale architectural exhibition, "Modern Architecture in Kyoto," celebrating the first anniversary of the Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art.

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Osaka area added & download application released

It has been two years since Modakuro was born.
We have updated it into a more convenient and easy-to-use downloadable application.
The Osaka area version was produced with the cooperation of one of Japan's largest architectural events, the "Open House Osaka."

With the addition of the Osaka area and new features, we have focused on maximizing your enjoyment of walking around the city.

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Disseminating modern architacture and the city's attractions

Since its release, The Chronicle of Modern Architecture has been used
by Kyoto Arts and Crafts Univercity for fieldwork, and IMANO OSAKA SHINSAIBASHI HOSTEL
has held events for tourists, actively promoting the appeal of modern architecture and the city.

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Exhibit at KYO-MAF 2023

We exhibited for the first time at the Kyoto International Manga/Anime Fair 2023 held on September 16 and 17, 2023, to promote the attractiveness of modern architecture and to propose new tourist attractions in Kyoto.

At the KYO-MAF, visitors were able to try out the app, and some downloaded it after the event, while others said they would use it for sightseeing in Kyoto. We received many comments that will be useful for the future operation of the Modakuro app.

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Collaborative project at Open House Osaka

With the aim of disseminating the appeal of modern architecture and helping to further the momentum for the preservation of them in Osaka, we will hold an exclusive event at Open House Osaka on October 28 and 29, 2023.
Detailed concepts and rare rough illustrations of anthropomorphic Osaka buildings will be shown for the first time! In addition, a quiz rally will be held, in which participants will go around the buildings to find keywords.

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