Layers of fine stainless steel mesh envelop this house in Tokyo by local architect Fumihiko Sano, making it look like it is wrapped in gauzy fabric (+ slideshow). More about Metal mesh shrouds Fumihiko Sano's MoyaMoya house
A cantilevered box containing a wood-lined terrace extends from the vertical core of this house in the Japanese prefecture of Shiga by local architects Alts Design Office (+ slideshow). More about Projecting terrace intersects Minakuchi House by Alts Design Office
Japanese firm International Royal Architecture (IRA) minimised partitions and balustrades inside this split-level house in Tokyo to make the interior feel as spacious as possible (+ slideshow). More about International Royal Architecture aims for spaciousness with minimal KKZ House interior
A series of wooden partitions divide the interior of this apartment in Tokyo by local architects Camp Design Inc, creating a multilayered space with hidden alcoves and areas (+ slideshow). More about Wooden wing walls divide Tokyo apartment by Camp Design Inc
Two light-filled courtyards and a private parking space are concealed behind the metal-clad facade of this small house in Osaka, Japan, by local firm Arbol Design (+ slideshow). More about House in Otori by Arbol Design hides courtyards behind slatted metal walls
Japanese architect Makiko Tsukada has completed a house in Yokohama with a cave-like interior that opens out to one of two rooftop lawns (+ slideshow). More about Makiko Tsukada's Grass Cave House features rooftop lawns and a dark interior
Small triangular windows puncture the faceted roof and walls of this Italian restaurant in Japan designed by Kyoto studio Geneto (+ slideshow).
More about Geneto adds pointed roofline to Italian restaurant in Japan
A faint pattern of cherry blossom petals decorates window screens and furniture inside this tea house in Japan by Hiroyuki Ogawa Architects. More about Hiroyuki Ogawa patterns Japanese tea house with subtle cherry blossom motif
Japanese architect Nobuo Araki has transformed an indoor swimming pool in Tokyo into a fashion store, turning the empty pool and its steel ladder into key features of the boutique's design (+ slideshow). More about Tokyo boutique by Nobuo Araki sits inside an old swimming pool
Japanese studio TSC Architects modelled the roof of this house in Japan's Mie Prefecture on the folded paper shapes of origami (+ slideshow). More about Origami House by TSC Architects features a roof modelled on folded paper
There are barely any partitions between the rooms of this family house in Chiba Prefecture, Japan, which was designed by architect Yamazaki Kentaro as an open container that "changes as you design and live in it" (+ slideshow). More about Yamazaki Kentaro's Unfinished House offers little privacy to residents
Shifting ceiling heights, sliding partitions and contrasting materials create a variety of spaces inside this house in Shiga, Japan, by Kouichi Kimura of Japanese studio Form (+ slideshow). More about Kouichi Kimura's Tuneful House features contrasting materials and split levels
This small gabled house by Japanese architect Naoko Horibe has two openings in its facade – the first is triangular and contains a recessed balcony, while the second is rectangular and comprises a protruding terrace (+ slideshow). More about Geometric shapes puncture facade of House in Fukai by Horibe Associates
Pale oak walls and muted furnishings aim to create a calming environment for patients inside this dispensing pharmacy in Tokyo by Japanese firm Hiroyuki Ogawa Architects (+ slideshow). More about Hiroyuki Ogawa Architects opts for "tranquility and kindness" with Fuji Pharmacy interior
Raw concrete surfaces dominate inside this stark apartment in Nagoya, Japan, that Japanese studio Airhouse Design Office has renovated for a fashion lover (+ slideshow). More about Concrete apartment by Airhouse Design Office features display space for "precious clothes"
This office and workshop for a theatre designer in Osaka was designed by Japanese studio Mattch to look like a glazed box hovering between two solid curtains (+ slideshow). More about Set design studio in Japan by Mattch plays with theatrical imagery
Designer Reiichi Ikeda inserted boxy partitions that follow the pattern of existing ceiling trusses into this clothing boutique in Osaka, Japan (+ slideshow). More about Reiichi Ikeda divides narrow Japanese clothing boutique with boxy partitions
Rows of rectangular windows are designed to frame rooms like an "advertisement board for well-designed living" on the facade of this apartment block in Tokyo by local studio PANDA (+ slideshow). More about PANDA's Asakusa Apartments feature rows of "picture frame" windows
Japanese studio Level Architects squeezed this all-black house onto a narrow plot in Tokyo's Fukasawa district, adding sloping offset walls around the lower floors to protect residents' privacy (+ slideshow). More about Black house in Tokyo by Level Architects reveals little to its neighbours
Japanese architect Eto Kenta has hidden a narrow garden behind the metal-clad exterior of this house in Ōita Prefecture, Japan (+ slideshow). More about Metal-clad house in Japan by Eto Kenta conceals its garden