http://www.aij.or.jp/aijhome.htm
Founded in 1886, the Architectural Institute of Japan (AIJ) has promoted the advancement and development of science, technology and art concerning architecture, with the mutual collaboration of its members. It was originally established as an institute for architects, with 26 founding architects. Mr. Josiah Conder, a British architect invited to teach at the Technical College in Tokyo (present the University of Tokyo) as a Professor of Architecture by the government, was elected as Honorary President of the Institute. The Institute was authorized by the Ministry of Education and changed its name to the Architectural Institute in 1905 and to the Architectural Institute of Japan in 1947. AIJ celebrated its centennial in 1986.
AIJ is an academic association with about 35,000 members. It is not a governmental organization but a non-profit organization for architects, building engineers and researchers in every field of architecture. AIJ publishes results of research and studies and spreads architectural culture through its programs such as exhibitions, symposia and distributes architectural information to the public. The main purpose of the Institute is to cultivate its members' abilities and to heighten architectural quality in Japan. Front-line researchers, officers of other architectural associations and officials of government and other public offices also are members of AIJ. AIJ liaises with universities and other research institutes. As the sole integrated institute in the field of architecture, AIJ has made an important contribution to the development of science, technology and art. There are many associations for architects, building engineers, general contractors, and building materials and equipment corporations in Japan. Among these associations, AIJ has been the most prestigious academic association.
AIJ organizes nationwide activities for its members. AIJ has nine chapters by dividing Japan into the following nine regions -- Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Tokai, Hokuriku, Kinki, Chugoku, Shikoku and Kyushu -- for activities to meet the detailed needs of each chapter. AIJ owns its head office building equipped with a library, a hall and conference rooms for members at the center of Tokyo.
