The (or "Mr. Waka's Dog House") is a unique residential building and permanent public art installation located in a quiet pocket of Shibuya, Tokyo. Designed by renowned American conceptual artist Joseph Kosuth , the structure serves as a personal residence for art promoter Joni Waka and a tribute to his late dog, Bacon, a vegetarian Irish Wolfhound who was a local celebrity. A Fusion of Art and Architecture
: While the interior is a private residence (viewable by appointment only), the property's exterior is registered as an official Shibuya Ward park , making it accessible to the public at any time.
Completed around 2012, the project is Kosuth's first-ever architectural work, created in collaboration with architects Claudia Hertrich and Ryo Shimizu. dog house shibuya
: Visitors can freely view the exterior and the public park area. For those interested in the Artist Residency Tokyo (A.R.T.) programs or interior tours, contact is required.
The project contributes to Shibuya's deep-rooted "dog culture," most famously defined by the at Shibuya Station. Like Hachiko, who waited nearly 10 years for his deceased owner, the Dog House stands as a monument to the bond between humans and their canine companions. Visitor Information The (or "Mr
: Tucked away on a sloped site between two narrow streets, the house is screened by trees and bushes, providing a calm contrast to the frantic energy of central Shibuya. Connection to Shibuya's Dog Culture
: The building's exterior literally resembles a large doghouse. It features Kosuth's signature neon text installations on the glass walls, often displaying philosophical quotes. A Fusion of Art and Architecture : While
: A short walk from Shibuya Station, situated near the intersection of two quiet residential streets.
