Wataru Architects has redesigned and renovated the Kitaoka Group Head Office Building in Mima City, Japan.

Kitaoka Group decided to renovate its headquarters to "create the next trend in Japan from the countryside, aiming to integrate work styles with culture, nature and local communities," said Wataru Architects.

"The concept [was] Yoshinogawa Valley, which is inspired by the Yoshino River, the source of Tokushima's nature, culture and industry."

As a result, the existing building is divided into two long and narrow buildings, much like a valley on an axis parallel to the Yoshino River from the entrance.

In addition, light from a 50-metre skylight pours into the first floor, meaning no artificial lighting is required during the day.

This project has been longlisted in the workplace project (small) category of Dezeen Awards 2025.

Studio: Wataru Architects
Project: Kitaoka Group Head Office Building Renovation
Credits: Wataru Sato, Atushi Fujita, Kitaoka Group, Hokuto Sekkei Corp, Tomoya Hosokawa, Seiji Yamada, Syu Yukari Manabe, Daisuke Nakayama, Polyuse, Wataru Ooka, Kazuki Koike, Taiga Kawase, Panasonic Corporation, Mizuki Sasa and Keita Yamamoto