# Building Block Architecture The 'Build Up Japan' Project Creates the Metropolis Out of LEGO By Erin Kirkpatrick | Published 2012-08-12 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/build-up-japan-project References: [spoon-tamago](http://www.spoon-tamago.com/2012/08/09/1-8-million-legos-used-to-create-map-of-japan/) & [legosta.jp](http://www.legosta.jp/build/) During the 'Build Up Japan' project over 1.8 million pieces of [LEGO](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/himeji-castle) were used to construct a map of Japan. This is quite the impressive task, as Japan's metropolis is among the most complex and intricately designed cities in existence. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of LEGO's introduction into Japan's toy culture, the collaborative Build Up Japan project was created. With the help of over 5,000 individuals from six different regions, this collaborative effort resulted in a breathtakingly accurate model map of Japan. Each individual installment of the map was assembled on site and later shipped to Tokyo where it was fully assembled. For those who love LEGO, this re-creation is a great look at what these [building blocks are capable of](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/arkham-asylum-set). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.5/10 - Popularity: 31% | Activity: 36% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Architectural LEGO Trend:** Opportunity for companies to explore architectural LEGO sets and incorporate them into their product offerings. - **Collaborative Creation Trend:** Potential for businesses to leverage the power of collaboration and crowd participation to create impressive projects. - **Geographical Model Trend:** Emerging demand for detailed geographical model kits that allow people to build realistic representations of cities and landmarks. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Toy Manufacturing Industry:** Possibility for toy manufacturers to develop and produce LEGO sets that allow users to build intricate architectural structures. - **Event Planning Industry:** Opportunity for event planners to organize collaborative projects that involve crowd participation and result in impressive installations. - **Educational and Hobby Retail Industry:** Emerging market for detailed geographical model kits that cater to hobbyists and educational purposes. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Japanese Castle-Themed Puzzle Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/himeji-castle.md) - [Artwork-Inspired Building Block Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-hokusai-the-great-wave.md) - [Artful Puzzle Block Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-great-wave-off-kanagawa.md) - [Historical Architecture Game Blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-notre-dame-set.md) - [Building Block Art Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/art-project-create-together.md) - [Towering Wooden Block Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/capsule-tower.md) - [Monster-Honoring Puzzle Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/godzilla-lego.md) - [Big Apple Toy Blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/machi-town-new-york.md) - [Buildable 3D Superhero Displays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gotham-city-skyline-set.md)