Behind the Creativity of Architect Jun Aoki: Buffalo Releases 5th Installment of 'Supporting Artists' Challenge' Project, Filmed at Aomori Museum of Art

Buffalo Inc. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Hiroyuki Maki, hereinafter 'Buffalo') will begin airing a new TV commercial on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, as the fifth installment of its project to support artists' innovative challenges through IT infrastructure. The commercial features a collaboration with architect Jun Aoki and was filmed at the Aomori Museum of Art, which Aoki designed and opened in 2006.

CM Overview

Architect: AOKI Jun The Aomori Museum of Art

The Aomori Museum of Art, with its striking white cube exterior, has been a cultural hub since opening in July 2006. Drawing inspiration from Aomori’s natural environment and the energy of the nearby Jomon settlement ruins at Sannai-Maruyama, the museum actively discovers, preserves, and creates diverse art centered around local Aomori artists. The building was designed by architect Jun Aoki, combining a trench-like sunken earth structure—inspired by excavation sites at Sannai-Maruyama—with an inverted convex white cube, creating a bold and innovative architectural form.

“Toward richness beyond mere functionality.”

User’s Voice

Supporting the behind-the-scenes work of architectural design are Buffalo’s 'Enterprise NAS' and 'Wi-Fi Access Point'. These devices quickly back up all types of data that contribute to a building’s completion, helping to shape the architecture of the future.

We received comments from Jun Aoki on Buffalo’s products:

(01) Enterprise NAS TS5420DN3204

“A high-capacity server that handles ever-growing data”

“In the past, hand-drawn sketches and blueprints were sufficient. But as time progressed, the amount of data we need—such as video, CG, and VR materials—has steadily increased, requiring larger storage media. That’s why we adopted Buffalo’s NAS. It allows fast backup even for large files, making our workflow very comfortable.”

(02) Wi-Fi Access Point WAPS-AX4

“Stable connectivity, no matter where you are”

“We don’t just work at our desks—we build models, hold meetings while reviewing digital blueprints on computers. We often carry laptops and work from different locations within the office. So Wi-Fi performance is extremely important. Buffalo’s Wi-Fi connects seamlessly anywhere in the office, with minimal lag even when handling large data. We rely on it every day.”

Professional Work That Supports Creation Buffalo’s Project to Empower Artists’ Challenges

The protagonist is the artist. Our name doesn’t appear on the artwork. Our role is to support the creative process behind the scenes—ensuring the highest performance and quality. What’s required is reliability, speed, and peace of mind—above all, providing artists with the time and space to focus. That’s why Buffalo takes on the 'boring' part of IT. That is our 'invisible aesthetics'—and our pride. Buffalo will continue to support artists in their pursuit of innovation.

Special Site

https://www.buffalo.jp/contents/topics/special/cm-movie/

We have launched a gallery/portfolio website showcasing the completed CMs born from co-creation with artists.

Please explore the artists’ works and Buffalo’s contributions.

Vol. 1 Rhizomatiks

Vol. 2 Keiichiro Shibuya

Vol. 3 Mika Ninagawa with EiM

Vol. 4 Kota Morie

Vol. 5 Jun Aoki

Vol. 6 Coming soon

Special Web Page

Full CM

Buffalo × AOKI Jun The Aomori Museum of Art

Director: KAMEI Shintaro (SIMONE) / DP: OGUMA Ryo

1st AC: YAMAZAKI Yuki / Gaffer: KAWASAKI Hiroyuki (FIX)

Music: SUGAWARA Kazuki / Edit: OGUMA Ryo

Copy Writer: WATANABE Takuma (SIMONE) / Business Producer: HIRANO Haruka (SIMONE)

Production Manager: IGARASHI Yuko (SIMONE), MIYASAKA Keijiro (FIX) Co-Director: SHIMURA Taro (BUFFALO) / Associate Producer: KAWASAKI Hiroaki (BUFFALO) Production Coordinator: OGAI Reika (BUFFALO), KATO Takeru (BUFFALO)

Broadcast Information

Start Date From Tuesday, July 21, 2026

Broadcast on TBS Television Network’s 'THE TIME,' (5:20–8:00), every Tuesday at 7:00 AM

Broadcast Area

Nationwide

Featured Artist

Jun Aoki

Born in Kanagawa Prefecture in 1956. Graduated from the University of Tokyo Graduate School in 1982 and worked at Arata Isozaki’s Atelier. Founded Jun Aoki Architectural Office in 1991 (reorganized into AS in 2020). Notable works include Louis Vuitton Omotesando, Aomori Museum of Art, and Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art. Active across residential, public, and commercial architecture. Has served as Director of the Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art since April 2019.

AS Official Website (external site)

About Buffalo

Founded in Nagoya in 1975, Buffalo will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2025. Under the corporate slogan 'Value Chain Engineering,' the company is committed to design and development by Japanese engineers, providing safe and user-friendly IT environments for both individuals and enterprises.

Behind its 24 consecutive years as market share leader in wireless LAN (※) are real-device testing tailored to Japanese home structures, strict power quality standards, and comprehensive support from domestic bases. In its enterprise business, Buffalo supports corporate DX through stable network infrastructure, with proven deployments across multi-site retail stores, offices, schools, hospitals, factories, and government agencies—helping to sustain Japan’s social infrastructure. The company is also enhancing security features, including compliance with 'JC-STAR.' Through solid technical expertise and stable supply, Buffalo builds digital environments for life and business, creating original value and contributing to societal advancement.

※ Based on BCN AWARD 2026 (sales data from major national electronics retailers in 2025)

※ Speed ratings, unless otherwise noted, refer to specification values and not actual performance in real-world environments.

※ Company and product names are generally trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

※ Prices listed are manufacturer’s suggested retail prices.

※ Specifications, prices, designs, etc., are subject to change without notice.