The Aomori Museum of Art: A Vision by Jun Aoki
The Aomori Museum of Art, known for its distinctive white cube exterior, opened in July 2006. Since its inception, the museum has drawn inspiration from Aomori Prefecture’s natural environment and the energy of the Jomon settlement site, Sannai-Maruyama, located nearby. It actively discovers, preserves, and creates diverse art, with a focus on artists from Aomori. Architect Jun Aoki’s design for the museum is a novel composition, combining the inverse convex shape of a white cube with the concave form of trenches, inspired by the excavation site of the Sannai-Maruyama ruins.
“Beyond Functionality to Richness”
The commercial’s theme, “Beyond Functionality to Richness,” explores the depth and purpose behind creation.
Jun Aoki’s architectural designs, which involve extensive dialogue to connect ideals with reality, are supported by Buffalo’s IT infrastructure. Buffalo’s corporate NAS and Wi-Fi access points play a crucial role in swiftly backing up various data, thereby contributing to the refinement of completed structures and supporting future architectural endeavors.
Architect Jun Aoki’s Voice on Buffalo Products
Jun Aoki shared his insights on how Buffalo’s products assist his work:
1. Corporate NAS: Large-Capacity Server for Expanding Data
“In the past, drawings and handwritten sketches were sufficient. However, with time, the amount of necessary data, such as videos, CG, and VR materials, has continuously increased, demanding larger storage media. This led to the adoption of Buffalo’s NAS. It allows for quick backup of large data, which is very convenient.”
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Product: TS5420DN3204
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Link: https://www.buffalo.jp/product/detail/ts5420dn3204.html
2. Wi-Fi Access Point: Uninterrupted Communication Anywhere
“Our work isn’t just desk-bound, whether it’s building models or discussing designs while looking at computer drawings. We often carry our laptops and work wherever we move. Therefore, Wi-Fi performance is extremely important. Buffalo’s Wi-Fi helps us daily by providing stress-free connectivity throughout the office and minimizing delays when handling large data.”
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Product: WAPS-AX4
Professional Work Supporting Creation: Buffalo’s “Invisible Aesthetic”
Buffalo’s project, “Project Supporting Artists’ Challenges,” centers on the artists themselves. The company’s role is to support the creative process, ensuring optimal performance and quality behind the scenes. This demands reliability, speed, and security – most importantly, providing artists with the time and space to concentrate. Buffalo takes on the “tedium of IT,” embodying an “invisible aesthetic” and a source of pride. Buffalo continues to support artists in their pursuit of innovation.
Special Site and Past Collaborations
A special gallery/portfolio website showcasing the commercials created in collaboration with artists is currently live. Visitors can explore the artists’ works and Buffalo’s contributions.
- Special Web Page: https://www.buffalo.jp/contents/topics/special/cm-movie/
Previous collaborations in the project include:
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Vol. 1: Rhizomatiks
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Vol. 2: Keiichiro Shibuya with ANDROID MARIA
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Vol. 3: Mika Ninagawa with EiM
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Vol. 4: Kohta Morie
CM Broadcast Information
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Broadcast Start Date: July 21, 2026 (Tuesday)
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Program: TBS Television network “THE TIME,” (5:20 – 8:00) during the 7 AM hour on Tuesdays.
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Broadcast Region: Nationwide in Japan
About Jun Aoki
Born in Kanagawa Prefecture in 1956, Jun Aoki graduated from the University of Tokyo Graduate School in 1982 and worked at Arata Isozaki & Associates. In 1991, he established Jun Aoki & Associates (reorganized as AS in 2020). His notable works include Louis Vuitton Omotesando, Aomori Museum of Art, and Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art. He is active in various fields, from private residences and public buildings to commercial facilities. Since April 2019, he has served as the Director of the Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art.
- AS Official Website: https://as-associates.jp/
About Buffalo Inc.
Founded in Nagoya in 1975, Buffalo celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2025. Under the corporate slogan “Value Chain Engineering,” the company is committed to design and development by domestic engineers, providing a secure and user-friendly IT environment for individuals and corporations alike. The company’s 24 consecutive years as the No. 1 market share holder in the wireless LAN sector (according to BCN AWARD 2026 data for 2025 sales at major electronics retailers nationwide) are attributed to real-world measurements tailored to Japanese housing structures, unique stringent power quality standards, and a robust support system through domestic bases.
In its corporate business, Buffalo supports corporate DX with network infrastructure, ensuring stable operation. It boasts numerous implementation achievements in various fields that support Japan’s social infrastructure, including multi-site retail stores, offices, schools, hospitals, factories, and government agencies, where high reliability is required. Furthermore, the company is expanding its security features, such as compliance with “JC-STAR.” Through reliable technology and stable supply, Buffalo aims to build digital environments for life and business, contributing to social development by creating original “value.”
