Rethinking the Role of Underground Architecture in Contemporary Japan: Project Trends Observed in Shinkenchiku Magazine (2000–2020)

Underground architecture is frequently associated with urban densification and lack of buildable land. With Japan being home to some of the densest metropolises while lacking in constructible terrain, this conception has been solidified in recent years making it rare to find research observing underground space in a different and more nuanced manner. This paper aims to establish a comprehensive understanding of the contemporary role of Japanese underground architecture by consulting all projects in “Shinkenchiku” magazine between 2000 and 2020, identifying underground projects, collecting structured information, and examining its   uses and adaptability. The data showed no increase in underground projects during the study period, contradicting past speculations. Although the results showed that underground projects are still being realized in dense urban areas, an approximately equal number is also found being constructed in rural areas with no constraints of available terrain. The findings challenge the prevailing notion that underground architecture primarily addresses space scarcity and densification issues, putting those assumptions under questioning, and suggesting the need for further research.