Wednesday, April 8, 2026 | 6:00 – 7:00 pm
Free Members
$5 Non-Members
How Japan helped Frank Lloyd Wright realize his vision of an American architectural style
In 1893 Frank Lloyd Wright saw Japanese architecture for the first time when he visited the Japanese pavilion at the World’s Columbian Exposition. The building had a major influence in his quest for a uniquely American architectural style. Seven years later Wright designed the B. Harley Bradley House in Kankakee, his first Prairie House.
“Wright in Kankakee” will soon be opening a Japan Influence Exhibit that tells the story of Wright’s interest in Japanese art and architecture and how it is manifested in Wright’s prairie houses, and specifically the Bradley House. The exhibit was researched and curated by Amb. John Malott, who will join us for a ZOOM presentation on Wednesday, April 8 to tell the story of how Wright’s visit to the Japanese pavilion led to the world’s first prairie house in Kankakee, Illinois.
Ambassador John R. Malott
Ambassador John Malott’s career in the United States Foreign Service and as a non-profit leader has focused on Asia and in particular, Japan. During his 31-years in the US Department of State, he served as Ambassador to Malaysia; Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs; Consul General in Osaka; Director of the Office of Japanese Affairs in Washington; Deputy Consul General in Mumbai; economic officer at the US Embassy in Tokyo; US Consul in Kobe; and civilian advisor to the US Army in the Mekong Delta during the Vietnam War. During his diplomatic career he studied national security strategy at the National War College, and the Japanese and Vietnamese languages at the Foreign Service Institute.
After retirement from the State Department, Amb. Malott served for twelve years as President of the Japan-America Society of Washington DC.
In 2017 the Emperor of Japan awarded him the Order of the Rising Sun with Gold Rays and Neck Ribbon for his lifelong contribution to US-Japan relations. In 2019 the Japan-America Society of Washington DC established the John and Hiroko Malott Leadership Award to recognize individuals and groups that are working to develop and mentor the next generation of leaders in the US-Japan relationship.
He is a Board Director of the Japan America Society of Chicago and an advisor to the Japan-America Society of Washington DC and the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
He was born in Kankakee, raised in Manteno, and is a graduate of Northwestern University. In 2024 he returned to his Illinois roots and now lives in Oak Park.
