Tadao Ando, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

According to a credible source, creator of the Church of the Light Tadao Ando is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2026. But while the architect's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.

UPDATE 20/03/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Ando for Person of the Year?

The list of nominees for Time magazine’s Person of the Year is always an eclectic mix of world leaders, pop culture icons, buzzworthy names, and human rights activists. The unexpected inclusion of the 84-year-old architect, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Ando so important is the potential and influence he now has, rather than anything he has already done,” said a panelist who preferred to remain anonymous, adding that earlier this month, the architect have already been named ‘Japanese Of The Year’ by some major Japanese newspapers and even ‘Osaka Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Osaka (Tadao Ando's hometown).

Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year

A representative for the architect was not immediately available for comment, but the announcement generated immediate reaction on Twitter:

“Tadao Ando Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 19 Mar 2026

“Congrats! Tadao has this charisma that seems to come out of nowhere.”
— @SamanthaJones, 19 Mar 2026

“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Tadao Ando?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 19 Mar 2026

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Tadao Ando?

Still, TIME’s editors will make the final decision about who will grace the magazine’s cover as its 2026 Person of the Year.

Who do you think should be TIME’s Person of the Year for 2026?

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