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Content: After World War I, under the influence of  Le Corbusier, Mies van der Rohe and Frank Lloyd Wright,  Japanese architecture began to make their own original contributions to the modern architecture. Japanese architects such as Tange Kenzo or Arata Isozaki created a unique style and developed international modern design. Tange's National Gymnasium completed in 1964, is a fine example of blending new styles with traditional Japanese characteristics. In the 1960's Japanese architects such as Shinohara Kazuo, Kurokawa Kisho and Maki Fumihiko started a new architectural movement known as Metabolism. This style combines fixed forms of the buildings with flexible spaces and functions. Shinohara's Centential Hall at Tokyo's Institute of Technology is a prime example of contemporary architecture that combines postmodern clashing forms with elegant Japanese style. Kurokawa blends in his design buildingtraditions with modern influence, while Maki, in his minimal arts, emphasizes the elements of nature. In the 1980's the second generation of Japanese architects, exploring both modern and postmodern design, started to contribute to the development of contemporary architecture. Artists such as Ando Tadao, Hasegawa Itsuko and Toyo Ito began to gain high appreciation among worldwide architects. For instance Ando developed a radically new style and is considered to be one of the most influential architects today.