Founded in 1886, the Architectural Institute of Japan (AIJ) has promoted the advancement and development of science, technology and art concerning architecture, with the mutual collaboration of its members. AIJ is an academic, non-governmental association with about 35,000 members. It is a non-profit organization for architects, building engineers and researchers in every field of architecture. AIJ publishes results of research and studies and spreads architectural culture through its programs such as exhibitions, symposia and distributes architectural information to the public. The main purpose of the Institute is to cultivate its members’ abilities and to heighten architectural quality in Japan.