“I created this text as an English language learner by translating from Japanese using both DeepL and Claude. If you notice any issues or have suggestions, I would appreciate your comments. Your feedback will help me improve both my future posts and my English skills.”
「この文は私が作成したものです。英語学習者として、DeepLとClaudeの力を借りて日本語から英訳し、投稿しています。お気づきの点がありましたら、コメントをいただけると幸いです。皆様からのフィードバックは、これからの投稿の改善と私の英語学習の向上に役立てたいと思います。
Tadao Ando, the world’s most acclaimed architect, exemplifies how “the strength of not having” can help us live more fully in the present.
At 84, this globally respected architect continues to actively take on new challenges. His accolades include the prestigious Pritzker Prize (1995), Japan’s Order of Culture (2010), the French Commandeur de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, and the Gold Medal of the American Institute of Architects—yet the essence of his strength lies not in these honors or titles, but in what he lacked.
In this blog, I’ll explore Tadao Ando’s “strength of not having” through perspectives on health, learning, and philosophy of life.
Section 1: No Education, No Connections, Yet He Moved the World
Born in post-war Osaka, Japan on September 13, 1941, Ando grew up in modest circumstances. From an early age, he worked part-time jobs to support his family.
戦後の大阪に生まれる。（1941年9月13日生まれ）決して裕福ではない環境で育つ。
幼少期からアルバイトをして家計を支えた。
As a young man, he boxed professionally before traveling the world independently to study architecture firsthand. Rather than pursuing formal architectural education, he taught himself, ultimately becoming a first-class architect through self-directed learning.
若き日にはボクサーを経験、その後、自らの足で世界の建築を見て回る旅へ。
建築を学ぶ学校に行かず、独学で一級建築士の資格を取得。
In 1969, he established the Tadao Ando Architectural Institute in Osaka. Since then, he has designed numerous works spanning private residences to public facilities.
1969年、大阪に「安藤忠雄建築研究所」を設立。
以降、個人住宅や公共施設などの数々の作品を手掛ける。
Ando’s philosophy is profound in its simplicity: “Create a world that no one can imitate using materials that anyone can obtain.”
安藤さんの哲学、「誰でも手に入る材料で誰にでも真似できない世界を創る」。
Dedicatedly Moving Forward with One’s Convictions
Looking back on Ando’s life, we see a series of “not having”: no formal education, no connections, no professional training in architecture.
What he did possess, however, was passion and a determination to see things for himself. He sought “living knowledge” that couldn’t be obtained from books or schools alone.
Without any complex about his lack of credentials, Ando moved forward with his unique vision. It wasn’t until the 1980s that he gained international recognition after numerous competition entries.
Ando’s life philosophy centers on facing difficulties head-on. Despite the hardships he encountered, his works reveal no trace of life’s harshness—instead, they pursue harmony between “humans and nature” and “space and light.”
Section 2: Five Organs Removed Yet Still Active—An Impressive Approach to Health
In 2009, Ando was diagnosed with cancer, leading to the removal of his gallbladder, bile ducts, and duodenum. In 2014, another cancer diagnosis resulted in the removal of his pancreas and spleen—five organs in total.
2009年にがんが発見され、胆嚢、胆管、十二指腸を摘出。
2014年には膵臓がんが見つかり、膵臓と脾臓を摘出。
これにより、合計５つの臓器を失う。
Remarkably, he returned to work immediately after surgery and continued his architectural practice.
手術後もすぐに現場へ戻り、活動を続けている。
He walks 10,000 steps daily and never misses his evening workout at the gym. He maintains strict attention to his diet and follows a disciplined routine to stay in shape.
毎日1万歩歩き、夜はジムでのトレーニングを欠かさない。
食事に気を配り、体調管理を日課としている。
Accepting Reality
Ando often references the “green apple”—unripe and sour—as his ideal. This represents an attitude of continuous growth toward the future, even in imperfect conditions.
Regarding illness and difficulties, Ando emphasizes, “It is important to accept reality and live flexibly in a way that fits the moment.”
To continue challenging himself even after losing five organs, he maintains awareness of his condition, sustains physical fitness, and prioritizes health. Ando’s approach embodies “self-responsibility”—taking care of his body and mind rather than depending on others.
Both mental and physical wellness are essential for sustained challenges. His advice: if you’re too busy to sleep, at least be mindful of what you eat. Walking helps balance the mind. Small acts of self-discipline support long-term endeavors and provide crucial foundation when facing life’s various difficulties.
Section 3: Two Faces of Tadao Ando
The “ON” Face
When working, Ando concentrates with absolute focus, tackling challenges seriously as if a switch has been flipped. Even in his 80s, he juggles 20 to 30 projects simultaneously.
仕事中は極限まで集中し、スイッチが入ったように本気で挑む。
多い時には20件から30件、それ以上のプロジェクトを同時に80代でも進めている。
His approach is straightforward: do what is necessary, nothing more, nothing less.
ただひたすら必要なことをやるというシンプルな考え。
The “OFF” Face
Ando embraces life’s pleasures with a flexible attitude, adapting to circumstances as they arise.
人生は楽しむ。その時の状況に応じて柔軟に生きる姿勢。
Even after his extensive surgeries, he maintains his health and lives life on his own terms.
内臓を摘出した後も、健康管理に気をつけ、自分に合った生活をする。
Living Life at Full Speed
“Let it come!” is Ando’s motto for facing life’s challenges.
Behind these words lies his lifelong philosophy: without academic credentials, one must work harder than those who have them. Think independently, act decisively, pursue goals relentlessly—attitudes he maintained even through illness.
Ando maintains that life’s most important element is enjoyment. He continues pushing forward regardless of age. This emphasis on “enjoyment” stems from his commitment to making his own decisions in everything he does.
His “two faces” represent both passionate effort and flexible adaptation. By finding joy in everything—including work—you ultimately enjoy life itself. This perspective characterizes Ando’s full-throttle approach to living.
Section 4: Returning All Earnings to Society
Ando directs much of his prize money and lecture fees to support children and recovery efforts in Osaka.
多くの賞金や講演料を、大阪の子どもたちや復興支援。
He built and donated the “Children’s Book Forest Nakanoshima” using donations and his personal funds.
寄付と自費で「こども本の森 中之島」を建設・寄贈。
His philosophy of giving is so complete that he says, “The beauty of life is to die after spending all you have.”
「使い切って死ぬのが美学」と語るほど、与えることを選ぶ人生。
Even now, he provides learning opportunities to young people eager to study under his guidance.
今なお、安藤さんの学びたいという若者に学びの場を与える。
A Legacy of Giving
Ando demonstrates that a person’s worth is determined by “how they use what they receive.”
His approach to philanthropy reflects his own journey: “I will provide places to learn and books to learn from, but you must decide for yourself how to use them.” This attitude completes the cycle that began when young Ando learned from carpenters who mentored him in architecture. Having once had nothing, he now uses what he has gained to help others.
This represents the greatest strength that only those who can give possess. A person’s value ultimately derives from how they utilize what they’ve obtained.
Conclusion: The Strength of Not Having
When I observe Ando, I sense a graceful crispness to his character—perhaps connected to his Osaka roots.
His life journey offers courage to those who “don’t have”—those lacking conventional advantages. Whether working, studying architecture, becoming a licensed architect, challenging global standards, or managing his health after illness, Ando makes his own decisions and accomplishes goals independently. This self-determination underpins both his impressive career and the fascinating architecture he creates.
It is precisely because he had nothing that he could move freely. It is because he had nothing that his decisions carried such importance. It is because he had nothing that he could try again after failures.
Though architecture captivated him, Ando once pursued boxing before deciding it wasn’t his path. Moving forward isn’t the only important decision; knowing when to change course represents equally significant progress.
I hope Ando’s story and his “strength of not having” inspires you to move forward in your own journey.
Thank you for reading.
参照元： 「臓器を5つ摘出しても、落ちこまない。人生はこれからだ！」 … https://goetheweb.jp/person/article/20221029-2face-tadao-ando-2
安藤忠雄とは何者？建築家としての人生は？住宅デザインにおける5つの重要なコンセプトhttps://iedukuri100.com/andotadao/
「気合い入れなあかん」学歴もカネもなかった … 建築界の巨匠 安藤忠男…https://youtu.be/hEb_IuXBfWU?si=AAs5akJ1_k-Jcrn7
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