
"Town development requires a big and deep vision, and it is indispensable to have a culture that allows people to live happily, making the most of local history and cultural heritage," according to world-renowned architect Tadao Ando...Turning to Osaka, his hometown declining in power and prestige, Ando said, "I'm afraid Osaka has declined because it has neglected its cultural heritage insofar as town development is concerned on the ground that there is no money to be made there." He added, "It's just obachan (elderly ladies) who are alive and well in Osaka. I can't see any big and deep vision for the development of Osaka."...more...