Japanese Zen Meets Jazz Age Style at the Brand-New Waldorf Astoria Osaka

The Waltz Partitions experience center in Hyderabad, designed by architect Nishita Kamdar, embodies the minimalist principles of Japanese Zen design. The 3,100-square-foot store, located on Banjara Hills road, is conceived as an urban oasis that offers a tranquil escape from its bustling surroundings. The design emphasizes simplicity, natural materials, and a deliberate absence of clutter, utilizing a palette of black and grey tones to evoke a sense of calm. The store functions as an experience center for various door and partition systems, including aluminum, glass, and concealed flushed doors with custom gold and silver mesh infills. Kamdar's design ensures a seamless flow throughout the space, enhancing the visitor's interaction with the products. Instead of a traditional display setup, the partitions are integrated into the architectural narrative, allowing visitors to experience their functionality and aesthetic qualities in an active, engaging manner. Kamdar highlights that the design transforms the "mundanity of the product" into a focal point, creating an intriguing play of revealing and hiding as customers navigate the store. The internal layout of the store is divided into five distinct yet interconnected zones: the Foyer, The Zen Gardens, The Meeting Room, The Living space, and the Display zones. The Foyer serves as a welcoming area, featuring large central stone sculptures, oversized rocks, and a custom-made, looming Thatch light. The Living Space provides a panoramic view of the entire setting, with clad walls contributing to the cohesive design. The Zen Garden zones are strategically enveloped by partitions, encouraging visitors to interact with and explore the products while fostering curiosity and conversation. Meeting Rooms are furnished with on-site-made marble-topped tables, and varied-shaped windows allow natural daylight to stream in, creating dynamic patterns of light and shadow. The Display zones are not isolated but rather overlap with other areas, creating a continuous visual experience. This integrated approach allows visitors to transition smoothly between spaces and encounter design details and materials organically, without a rigid sense of progression. The overall design aims to achieve harmony and fusion between the contemplative, restrained, and visually balanced qualities of Zen aesthetics and the functional, dynamic nature of doors and partition systems, resulting in a cohesive and immersive experience. #HyderabadStores #ZenDesign #MinimalistArchitecture #NishitaKamdar #ExperienceCenter #PartitionSystems #RetailDesign #InteriorArchitecture #NaturalMaterials

Shōtō, a modern Japanese izakaya located in Midtown Center, Washington D.C., is introduced as a new culinary and design landmark. The establishment, a project of the London-based global hospitality group that also manages Zuma, opened its doors for dinner service at 5 p.m. The design, spearheaded by Tokyo-based Studio Glit's Noriyoshi Muramatsu, marks his first venture in D.C. Muramatsu, known for Zuma's acclaimed interiors, has meticulously curated every detail of Shōtō, creating an atmosphere that balances luxury with a deep sense of Japanese aesthetics. Upon entering Shōtō, guests are greeted by thoughtful design elements, such as a lengthy, bronzed branch from an ancient Japanese forest serving as a door handle. The interior features an immaculate, wood-framed dining room and spa-like restrooms equipped with custom Le Labo black tea oil diffusers, demonstrating an "invisible touch" of luxury. The 155-seat restaurant showcases a symmetrically arranged sushi counter, a bar, and a Japanese robata grill, where various meats, fish, skewers, poultry, and produce are cooked over pressed Japanese white oak. The dining room's centerpiece is a massive, UFO-like sculpture made from lava stone sourced from an active Japanese volcano. This formation, comprising orange-sized stone chunks painstakingly hand-strung and suspended from the 25-foot ceiling, creates a dazzling shadow play on the floor as it is backlit, especially during sunset. This dramatic lava stone sculpture is complemented by other decor elements also sourced, assembled, or salvaged in Japan and transported to D.C. Shōtō aims to boast one of the largest Japanese whiskey selections on the East Coast, currently offering 40 rare types with a goal to expand to 100 as supply chains improve. These whiskeys are showcased like precious artifacts behind gold metal grates, greeting guests upon entry. The name "Shōtō," meaning "short sword" in Japanese, symbolizes the restaurant's commitment to accuracy and precision, evident in both its culinary techniques and design. The open kitchen and sushi counter offer diners a direct view of the meticulous work of Executive Sushi Chef Kwang Kim and Executive Chef Alessio Conti. The kitchen's textured tile backsplash features vertical rows of curved tiles, which are hand-molded and glazed casts of Japanese bamboo. Clay plates, handmade by a Japanese artist using a wood-fired ash technique, are neatly stacked on wooden shelves, further highlighting the artistic craftsmanship. The restaurant's walls and ceiling are designed with square wood boxes, creating a grid-like visual. Functional decorative elements include century-old parts of a rural Japanese aqueduct system repurposed as flower pots for cherry blossoms. Above the bar, rows of hand-blown glass bowls, crafted to resemble traditional Japanese tea kettles, are intended to hold Japanese spirits, sake, and shochu infused with fresh fruits, herbs, and vegetables. These glass orbs are interspersed with gigantic sake barrels from Japanese breweries, now serving as floating ivory artwork. The bar also features a hand-carving ice station and a bonsai tree, serving house cocktails made exclusively with Japanese spirits. A wine and sake cellar, capable of storing up to 1,500 bottles, occupies an entire wall, with sommeliers using a ladder to retrieve selections, adding to the dining experience's theatricality. A private dining room at the back features a 45-seat rectangular table under a ceiling of wavy red fabric, providing an intimate setting while offering glimpses into the glassy cellar, ensuring a unique experience for every diner. Shōtō is located in the same Midtown Center complex as Philotimo, chef Nicholas Stefanelli's Greek restaurant, which opened the previous month. #JapaneseCuisine #RestaurantDesign #LuxuryDining #Izakaya #NoriyoshiMuramatsu #DCRestaurants #SushiBar #RobataGrill #JapaneseWhiskey

Acne Studios, the Swedish fashion label, has opened a new flagship store in Tokyo's Aoyama district, a move that encapsulates the brand's playful yet minimalist aesthetic. The store, located on a prominent corner of Omotesando, an area known for its architectural significance, was designed by Acne Studios' founder and creative director, Jonny Johansson, in collaboration with Stockholm-based studio Halleroed. This new location replaces a previous store on a nearby backstreet and represents the culmination of Johansson's long-standing connection and inspiration drawn from Japan. The conceptual foundation for the store was inspired by the idea of a 'garage' – an open, technical space. Johansson envisioned an interior that maintained the skeleton of the original building, incorporating extensive use of glass to create a seamless flow between the inside and outside, allowing visitors to feel connected to Aoyama. This structural openness is complemented by a unique design element: softly-textured pink granite stone. This material is used to connect various spaces, extending across floors and walls, and forms two prominent, airy staircases with clean, minimalist lines and subtly indented handrails. The choice of pink for the granite was deliberate, aimed at avoiding a 'banal' or 'naïve' impression. According to Ruxandra Halleröd, co-founder of Halleroed, the team explored various textures and materials before settling on a granite that intensifies in pink hue when flamed. This approach was intended to create a mature and nuanced pink, moving beyond typical feminine connotations to become a 'pop color' that aligns with Acne Studios' slightly vague yet distinct brand identity. Contrasting the soft pink granite, the store integrates reflective metal accents, angled mirrors, and dynamic stainless steel clothing hangers that are sharply suspended from the ceiling. This blend of materials and forms adds to the store's contemporary and edgy atmosphere. Further enhancing the creative interior are bespoke elements from long-term Acne Studios collaborators. British designer Max Lamb contributed a series of pieces, including shiny soft leather seats that appear to merge with the walls, tufted carpets, and 'Blob' chairs made from hand-dyed yarns. Illumination is provided by dozens of custom strip-lighting fixtures, conceived by designer Benoit Lalloz, which are strategically placed across ceilings and integrated into metal displays. Surrealist mannequins by artist Daniel Silver introduce an additional layer of artistry. Ruxandra Halleröd emphasizes that the design thrives on contrasts, mirroring Tokyo's own blend of high-tech and historical elements. The stark, hard-material-clad building contrasts with the irregular, shiny furniture, creating unexpected visual and tactile experiences. Christian Halleröd, also a co-founder of Halleroed, highlights Japan as a significant source of inspiration, particularly for its commitment to quality and craftsmanship. The store's opening is also marked by a collaboration with artist Takuro Kuwata, who created a series of candy-bright ceramic vessels and reinvented the brand's 'Camero' bag and denim jeans with rainbow designs and trompe l'œil effects. This reflects Johansson's perspective that "fashion is supposed to be fun" and a desire for luxury to be inclusive rather than exclusive, a philosophy that deeply informs the new Tokyo flagship. #AcneStudios #Tokyo #FlagshipStore #FashionDesign #RetailArchitecture #InteriorDesign #JapaneseCraftsmanship #ContemporaryArt

The Japanese Tea Garden in San Antonio, Texas, located within Brackenridge Park, offers a tranquil escape with free admission. This historical botanical garden, originally a limestone rock quarry, was transformed into a public complex in 1918. Its development included paved walkways, arched bridges, an island, and a Japanese pagoda, which served as a tourist attraction for nearly a decade, offering Mexican crafts and food from an outdoor restaurant. A significant chapter in the garden's history began in 1926 when Japanese-American artist Kimi Eizo Jingu was invited to open the Bamboo Room tea house. The Jingu family managed the tea house for many years, but faced eviction during World War II due to anti-Japanese sentiment. After extensive renovations, the garden proudly reopened in 2008, reclaiming its heritage and restoring its serene beauty for the public to enjoy. At the heart of the garden stands a prominent pagoda, providing panoramic views of the meticulously designed landscape. Visitors can observe the garden's unique features from an elevated perspective, discovering elements not visible from ground level. A major highlight is the 60-foot waterfall, whose gentle roar contributes to the garden's calming atmosphere, offering a sensory experience of tranquility. The garden's pond is home to hundreds of Koi fish, whose graceful movements create mesmerizing ripples across the water, captivating onlookers. For those who work up an appetite exploring the trails, the Jingu House restaurant provides a convenient and historical dining option. Named in honor of the influential Jingu family, the restaurant offers tea and light meals, including bento boxes with sushi, cucumber salad, and teriyaki beef, all gluten-free, with kid-friendly options available. Located at 3853 N St Mary's Street, San Antonio, TX 78212, the Japanese Tea Garden is open daily from 7 am to 5 pm. Admission is free, making it an accessible and peaceful destination for anyone seeking a moment of zen in Texas. The article encourages visitors to share their favorite features and also suggests exploring other San Antonio attractions like the River Walk and finding accommodations through VRBO. #JapaneseTeaGarden #SanAntonio #Texas #BotanicalGarden #FreeAdmission #HistoricPlaces #Tranquility #FamilyFriendly #BrackenridgePark

In Japan, where Zen principles rooted in ancient Shinto rituals and Buddhist meditations deeply influence daily life, interior design reflects these philosophies through an emphasis on balance, minimalism, and harmony. This approach often manifests in Japanese homes designed to evoke equanimity, calmness, and freedom from excess. The aesthetic is characterized by a timeless beauty, frequently incorporating a basic color palette of light and soft earth tones. Furniture typically features clean lines and sharp angles, often finished with unvarnished cedar wood. This article highlights seven modern Japanese hotels that embody these Zen-inspired design principles, offering travelers an opportunity to experience peace and serenity. The first featured hotel, Amanemu, is located in Iseshima's tranquil Ise-Shima National Park on Honshu Island. It provides suites and villas equipped with spacious outdoor decks and traditional onsen baths, aligning with the concept of integrating nature and relaxation. Next, Zaborin in Hokkaido is nestled within forests and meadows, close to premier ski slopes. Its 15 villas each boast indoor and outdoor traditional Japanese baths, fed by natural volcanic spring water, emphasizing a deep connection to the natural environment. The House of Finn Juhl, situated in the ski town of Hakuba in Nagano, presents a unique fusion of Danish and Japanese design sensibilities. This hotel is entirely furnished with pieces by Danish master Finn Juhl, demonstrating how distinct design traditions can converge harmoniously. Shimaya Stays in Kyoto offers a contemporary take on traditional Japanese living. Two historic townhouses, over a century old, have been meticulously restored and transformed into modern, clean-lined serviced apartments, preserving their heritage while providing modern comforts. Sotoyama Jujo, located in Minami-Uonuma, a mere two-hour train ride from Tokyo, is a countryside hotel that blends natural elements with sophisticated design. It features cypress and cedar wood floors, an outdoor bathtub, stunning mountain views, and furniture by renowned designers such as Arne Jacobsen, Hans Wegner, and Isamu Noguchi. Hoshinoya Tokyo, opened in 2016, offers a contemporary interpretation of traditional Japanese ryokans within a 17-floor structure. Its rooms and public areas are designed with tatami mats, creating an authentic Japanese ambiance. Finally, Hotel Kanra in Kyoto provides modern rooms inspired by "machiyas," which are traditional wooden townhouse homes characteristic of Kyoto. These rooms include tatami beds and aromatic cypress bathtubs, offering guests a sensory experience that reflects local traditions. Each of these hotels showcases how modern Japanese hospitality integrates Zen principles and traditional aesthetics to create environments of profound tranquility and beauty, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in a peaceful retreat. #JapaneseHotels #ZenDesign #MinimalistInteriors #JapaneseArchitecture #LuxuryTravel #OnsenBaths #RyokanExperience #KyotoHotels #HokkaidoHotels

Ryo Kan MX, a boutique hotel in Mexico City, offers a tranquil escape designed to emulate traditional Japanese countryside inns, known as ryokans. Situated near one of Mexico City’s prominent avenues, this establishment distinguishes itself with its serene atmosphere and unique architectural and interior design. The hotel features an origami-inspired sculptural facade and houses only 10 rooms, each embodying a blend of Japanese aesthetics and Mexican craftsmanship. The design of Ryo Kan MX was spearheaded by architect Regina Galvanduque of GLVDK Studio, who oversaw not only the architectural framework but also the interior decor, art selection, branding, and even the tableware. The overarching design philosophy emphasizes the integration of Japanese hospitality principles with local Mexican materials and contemporary technology. Throughout the hotel, a commitment to locally sourced materials and textures is evident, coupled with styling that draws heavily from Japanese design traditions. Collaborations with local designers and artisans were crucial in developing and selecting furnishings that reflect this fusion. The hotel’s design is rich in sensory details, incorporating handmade crafts such as ceramics and textiles throughout the property. The light-filled welcome area provides an inviting space with an open library, comfortable seating, and a zen garden, establishing a calm ambiance upon arrival. This zen garden, located at the core of the ryokan, is specifically designed to create a dialogue between Eastern and Western influences, and traditional versus contemporary styles. Each of the ten guest rooms is named after a Japanese number and is conceived to mirror traditional ryokan spaces while incorporating modern automated conveniences. Features like automated lighting, controllable via the hotel’s in-house app, enhance guest comfort. Some of the more spacious tatami bedrooms offer views of the interior garden, a mini-bar, and an independent lounge area within their 225 square feet. The rooms are further customized with locally sourced materials like bejuco, a vine used in Mayan architecture, alongside terrazzo and oak, adding a distinct local flavor to the Japanese-inspired decor. Sliding modular doors, reminiscent of traditional Japanese shoji screens, are also a prominent feature. Ryo Kan MX aims to introduce the concept of 'mindful hospitality' to Mexico City, aligning with Japanese cultural values such as simplicity, reverence for nature, appreciation for local natural materials, and community. The hotel staff articulate that this approach combines these values with a meticulous service style, fostering a new perspective on responsible tourism through a blend of Japanese and Mexican cultures. The intention is to redefine the standards for small lodges within a large metropolitan area. A highlight of the hotel is its rooftop deck, which offers four private onsen baths providing panoramic city views, further enhancing the tranquil and luxurious experience. #JapaneseDesign #MexicanCraftsmanship #BoutiqueHotel #MindfulHospitality #ZenGarden #TatamiRooms #OnsenBaths #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign

OEO Studio, based in Copenhagen, has completed a luxury apartment in Tokyo's Opus Arisugawa Terrace & Residence, collaborating with Japanese property developer ReBita. The project seamlessly integrates Scandinavian design principles with traditional Japanese aesthetics and materials, reflecting a cross-cultural design philosophy. The apartment showcases OEO Studio's expertise in creating spaces that are both clean and rich in local character. The interior design features a kitchen crafted in Denmark by Garde Hvalsøe, known for its handcrafted cabinetry, and furniture from prominent brands such as Gubi, Stellar Works, and Brdr Krüger in the living room. Art pieces by Finnish artist Jaakko Mattila and Danish photographer Søren Rønholt further enhance the Scandinavian influence. The apartment’s layout promotes a natural flow between designated areas, fostering a warm and inviting atmosphere. Textural elements are central to the design, with rammed earth walls in the entryway providing a connection to nature, and columns made from Japanese Ōya stone dividing the living and kitchen spaces. Entrance areas are distinguished by deep blue indigo tiles, while Finnish birch paper yarn rugs, featuring patterns inspired by traditional Japanese textiles, introduce tactile comfort. The flooring creates visual interest through a juxtaposition of stone in the living room and wood in adjacent areas. A notable design feature is a movable wall that allows for flexible privacy settings. The bedrooms explore contrasts, with one designed in a darker palette and another in a lighter one, furnished with pieces from Karakter, Brdr Krüger, Stellar Works, and Fritz Hansen. The en-suite bathrooms continue the material narrative with stonework and wooden cabinetry, highlighted by a hinoki wood bathtub. This project exemplifies OEO Studio's ability to blend diverse cultural influences into a cohesive and luxurious living environment. The studio drew upon its established design heritage, integrating it thoughtfully with Japanese traditions to create an apartment that respects both backgrounds while offering a contemporary, elegant aesthetic. The use of natural materials and a focus on craftsmanship underscore the design's commitment to quality and longevity. The combination of Danish and Japanese design elements creates a unique dialogue between minimalist principles and a profound appreciation for texture and natural forms, resulting in a residence that is both sophisticated and deeply rooted in its context. #OEOStudio #TokyoApartment #ScandinavianDesign #JapaneseHeritage #InteriorDesign #LuxuryLiving #CrossCulturalDesign #NaturalMaterials

The architecture firm OWIU, co-founded by Joel Wong and Amanda Gunawan in 2018, undertook a project to revitalize a neglected 1955 Mid-Century Modern home located in the foothills of Mount Washington, Los Angeles. Their design approach for this residence was heavily influenced by the Japanese Ryokan aesthetic, characterized by subtlety, neutrality, and a focus on harmonious energetic balance. This philosophy, which the firm has previously applied to other projects in L.A., emphasizes egoless, collaborative design that integrates various elements to manifest a cohesive vision. The renovation aimed to create an open and flowing space where transitions between rooms are subtly marked without the use of obtrusive walls. This was achieved through intentional design elements such as slight steps between areas, symbolic textural variations, and strategic plays on transparency. Gunawan explains that this approach allows for the demarcation of spaces while maintaining a synchronized flow throughout the house, making occupants implicitly aware of spatial changes. Upon entering the home, the design directs the eye towards a substantial garden through expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, offering views of palm trees and the distant city skyline, thereby connecting the interior with the natural surroundings. Wong notes that the home's secluded location, away from the typical Los Angeles hustle, was a key attraction for the project. Externally, the outdoor deck was designed to respect the plot's topography, featuring interweaving curves that harmonize with the natural landscape. The interior and exterior surfaces are painted in earthy tones, ranging from terra-cotta to beige, to reflect the surrounding environment. The foyer is finished with Venetian plaster, which introduces the delicate texture of the nearby mountains into the living space. OWIU also prioritized sustainability by incorporating copious amounts of reclaimed wood and preserving existing elements of the house wherever possible. A notable design feature is OWIU's reintroduction of glass privacy blocks, a quintessential Mid-Century Modern element that has fallen out of favor. Gunawan aimed to restore the material's original appeal, highlighting its versatility, structural integrity, and ability to allow light penetration. These glass blocks are utilized in various ways, such as forming a wall between the bathroom and the main living area to ensure privacy without hindering flow, and serving as the base for an impressive bean-shaped kitchen counter, creating the illusion that it floats. This thoughtful application showcases the material's potential beyond its often-misunderstood association with 1980s design. Drawing further inspiration from the tea ceremony rooms found in traditional ryokan, OWIU constructed an elevated deck off the main bedroom. This feature evokes the serene platform of a Zen garden, facilitating a smooth transition from the private quarters into nature. The design intends for this step-down to be an almost imperceptible ritual, encouraging stillness and contemplation for the residents. Gunawan emphasizes that this space offers an escape, promoting a sense of calm and introspection, which is the ultimate goal of the home's design. #OWIU #MidCenturyModern #JapaneseRyokanAesthetic #LosAngeles #HomeDesign #InteriorArchitecture #SustainableDesign #GlassBlocks #ZenGarden

The new Club Med Tomamu, a ski-in ski-out resort located on Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island, features a visually striking design that harmonizes modern elements with traditional aesthetics and alpine-inspired interiors. World-class designer Jean-Philippe Nuel drew inspiration from the surrounding natural environment, incorporating genuine winter-white birch and spring bloom garlands into the resort's foyer. The 341-room property is characterized by a vibrant color palette, including reds, blues, calming greens, rich brown timbers, and splashes of yellow, all coexisting to create a restful and relaxing atmosphere for guests. Jean-Philippe Nuel emphasizes the uniqueness of the resort's natural setting, which heavily influenced its interior design. The design philosophy behind Club Med Tomamu aimed to create an edgy interior that aligns with the brand's reputation for upbeat, friendly, all-inclusive premium holiday experiences. The result is a collection of funky furnishings and traditional Japanese design elements that are both eye-catching and comfortable, prompting guests to consider incorporating similar styles into their own homes. The main bar and lounge areas offer plush armchairs and luxurious upholstered daybeds, positioned to provide panoramic views of Tomamu's main slopes through expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. A notable design feature is a floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall Japanese-style bookshelf at one end of the bar, further enhancing the blend of culture and nature within the resort. Nuel highlights the successful fusion of Club Med's energetic culture with the surrounding natural beauty and local traditions, achieving an elegant and purposeful design. The resort's main dining areas are adorned with rich colors and patterns that evoke the four seasons, while the buffet room is designed to mimic the lively ambiance of an Asian night market, complete with rich red countertops and wicker lightshades illuminating dessert displays. The guest rooms and suites are styled to resemble those found in a boutique city hotel or apartment, featuring royal blue bedspreads, luxe gold throws, and floral rugs with red and orange accents. These vibrant colors are balanced by muted forest green couches and dark timber joinery, which thoughtfully frame the snowy winter landscape outside. Since its opening on December 17 last year, Club Med Tomamu has consistently operated at near-full capacity, largely attracting Australian holiday-makers. #Contemporary #Family #InternationalTravel #LuxuryResort #JapaneseDesign #AlpineInteriors #Hokkaido #SkiResort #InteriorDesign

Case Real, a Fukuoka prefecture-based design and architecture firm, has undertaken a partial renovation of the Yamaguchi Sake Brewery in Kurume city, Japan. The project involved updating a traditional cedar-beam property, originally constructed in the early 1800s by the Yamaguchi family ancestors. Designers Koichi Futatusmata and Koichi Shimohira were responsible for infusing contemporary architectural thought into the historic site. The core of the renovation addressed the client's desire to effectively utilize the courtyard situated between the aged main house and a warehouse on the same premise, while ensuring continuity between the two structures. To achieve this, Case Real connected the buildings with a washed-finished cement floor and a stair. Additionally, large openings in the lounge space of the main house were re-arranged to foster a closer connection between the two previously distinct areas. The design facilitates the delicate sake brewing process, which requires gentle handling of rice milling and precise humidity levels in the rooms. The newly created connective courtyard allows for a more comfortable flow of this intricate process. A key feature of the renovation is the secret garden, intentionally sparsely ornamented with slim native trees and anchored by off-white pebbles. This garden is designed to provide a distinct and meditative area, offering brewers a serene space to unwind during their shifts. In conjunction with the garden, a new, dedicated lounge space was created. This lounge is conceptualized as a zen environment that respects the brewery's historical roots while embracing a contemporary outlook. The walls within this space are rendered in modern sweet-chestnut shades, and vast windows are strategically placed to maximize natural light. The flooring incorporates characterful, polished stone, referencing the structure's early days. Overhead, the original cedar beams remain sturdy, serving as a constant reminder of the Yamaguchi family’s long-standing heritage in sake brewing. Case Real has a history of designing functional workspaces that prioritize employee freedom and creativity, as seen in their previous projects such as a Japanese storehouse live-work conversion and minimalist designs for brands like Aesop. This renovation of the Yamaguchi Sake Brewery continues that tradition, blending historical preservation with modern functionality and a tranquil aesthetic. The project exemplifies a harmonious integration of old and new, creating a refreshed environment that supports both the traditional craft of sake brewing and the well-being of its practitioners. #JapaneseArchitecture #SakeBrewery #MinimalistDesign #SecretGarden #ArchitecturalRenovation #WorkspaceDesign #TraditionalCraft #ZenDesign #CaseReal

The Fukuoka-based design firm Case-Real, led by Koichi Futatsumata, has successfully transformed a traditional Japanese storehouse, known as a 'kura,' into a contemporary and highly versatile multi-functional work-live space. This project was conceived to address the growing demand for spaces that seamlessly integrate professional and personal lives, particularly for creative individuals. The owners, a creative director in food design and a gallerist specializing in Japanese craft, required a space that could accommodate their diverse professional needs, from hosting art exhibitions to conducting tea ceremonies, while also serving as a comfortable living environment. The converted property is located in Gosho-Higashi, a tranquil area nestled between Kyoto Gyoen and the Kamo River. The design incorporates a white structure that houses the primary office area, complementing the traditional kura, which was repurposed as a gallery to display pottery and everyday tools. Futatsumata's vision was to create a harmonious environment where the clients' varied professions could coexist and even influence each other, a concept deeply rooted in the inherent adaptability of traditional Japanese residences. The aesthetic of the space is characterized by a refined color palette of plums, browns, and creams, establishing a warm and inviting atmosphere. A key functional element is the inclusion of movable screens, which allow for dynamic adjustments to room sizes, offering flexibility for different activities and gatherings. This design choice underscores the adaptability that was central to the project's brief. To achieve the unique blend of urban Japanese style and traditional Zen aesthetics, Case-Real collaborated with local artisans. For the tearoom, bespoke furniture was crafted by Koichi Touji and Yuji Yamamoto, resulting in a custom six-seater counter designed to fit the room's specific dimensions. Architectural lighting specialist Shoji Hiroyasu was engaged to implement tastefully concealed down-lighting, further enhancing the serene and sophisticated ambiance. Futatsumata highlights that the project's success in balancing multiple functions stems from embracing the inherent spatial continuity found in traditional Japanese architecture. This approach allowed for a design where each functional area within the house harmoniously coexists, providing the owners with an elegant, adaptable, and inspiring environment that supports both their professional endeavors and personal lives. #JapaneseArchitecture #LiveWorkSpace #StorehouseConversion #InteriorDesign #ModernWorkspace #KoichiFutatsumata #CaseReal #KyotoDesign #TraditionalMeetsContemporary

Giselle Go and Philippe Terrien, co-founders of the Japanese clean beauty brand DamDam, embarked on a search for a tranquil weekend retreat near Tokyo. Their initial criteria included proximity to the city, high privacy, and a mountainside location. After a prolonged search, a friend, Naoko Kawamura, introduced them to a 75-year-old property overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Mount Fuji. The house, initially dilapidated, held historical significance as it was built by American postwar photojournalist Horace Bristol, known for his work on John Steinbeck’s 'Grapes of Wrath' and for magazines like 'Life,' 'Time,' and 'National Geographic' in the 1950s. Recognizing the challenges of renovating such an old property, especially one situated on protected heritage land, the couple enlisted the expertise of Motosuke Mandai of Mandai Architects. Their vision was to revive the house while preserving its past and integrating modern comforts. A significant part of the renovation involved working closely with the local temple that oversees the protected area to ensure all regulations were met. The couple meticulously retained original elements like wood beams, ceilings, and shoji screens. When original features such as the wood floors or the wood-burning stove could not be salvaged, they were replaced with identical materials to maintain the house's authentic character. The entrance to the home functions as both an entryway and a mudroom, where it is customary to remove shoes and don soft house slippers, a Japanese tradition. This space features a Hang-It-All coatrack by Eames for Herman Miller, a stool by Timber Crew, and a washi tray by Craig Ancelowitz, both for DamDam Atelier. Artwork includes a calligraphy on canvas by Mikiko Kayama and a wall sculpture by Yuichiro Kobayashi. The living room, a favorite indoor spot for the couple, boasts an Akari 21A pendant light by Isamu Noguchi, an Archimoon Soft table lamp by Philippe Starck for Flos, and Glo-ball table and floor lamps by Jasper Morrison for Flos. The sofa is an N701 modular model from Ethnicraft, complemented by an Airframe coffee table by David Chipperfield for Cassina. This room offers direct views of the sunset over the sea, with garden-facing windows framing the sofa, and features a wood-burning stove for winter warmth. The dining room serves as a dual-purpose workspace. Original shoji screens provide privacy from the north-side bamboo, while the room opens to sea views on the west. This area includes a Flowerpot Verner Panton 1968 pendant light from &Tradition, Series 7 dining chairs by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen, and an Airframe dining table by David Chipperfield for Cassina, which was restored with a new walnut-wood top by Timber Crew. Custom shelving by Douguya and an Akari 3x table lamp by Isamu Noguchi further personalize the space, along with washi artwork and a painting by Philippe’s son, James. The kitchen, a beloved space for Philippe, was enlarged by removing an old bathroom, placing it centrally within the home with garden access. To address the lack of natural light, Motosuke Mandai incorporated floor-to-ceiling windows into the traditional ranma (wall panels), creating the illusion of a floating roof and flooding the interiors with sunlight. An engawa, a traditional Japanese hallway, was transformed into a sunroom, enlarged and opened to a seaside deck for sunset aperitifs and gardening activities. This room is furnished with an Akari 1AG table lamp by Isamu Noguchi, an antique rattan table, a vintage lounge chair, and a Malawi chair from Couleur Locale. The decor reflects the multicultural backgrounds of Giselle, who is Filipino, and Philippe, who is French, blending midcentury-modern design, vintage finds, Japanese crafts, and textiles from their travels. The furniture, much of which was crafted by artisans known to them, imbues the home with a personal touch. The only fully enclosed room is the bedroom, which offers a private sanctuary feel, without glass windows on the ranma. The bed frame is by Timber Crew, and the table lamp is the Archimoon Soft by Philippe Starck for Flos. Wood stools designed by Timber Crew for DamDam Atelier complete the room. A large ofuro (bathtub) at the end of the bathroom provides a relaxing space. The interior design blends Japanese architectural elements like sugi-finish floors and preserved pinewood ceilings with a diverse collection of furnishings, embodying an old-world travel museum aesthetic that reflects the owners’ journeys and personal connections. #JapaneseHouse #ZenHideaway #HistoricRenovation #InteriorDesign #TokyoHome #ArchitecturalDesign #MidCenturyModern #MulticulturalDecor #DamDam

Oide Kitchen, a new bento shop, has recently opened in Downtown Honolulu's Arcade Building, taking over a space that previously housed various eateries. The establishment is a reincarnation of Okonomiyaki Chibo, a Japanese restaurant that operated in Waikīkī for three decades before closing due to rising rent. The owners have pivoted to a bento shop model, aiming to cater to the Downtown lunch crowd with familiar grab-and-go options and made-to-order dishes. The name "Oide" is an informal Japanese word meaning "come," reflecting the owners' welcoming approach. The menu at Oide Kitchen features a variety of bentos, salads, side dishes, and donburi bowls. Popular bento options include Chicken namban, garlic chicken, salmon, and garlic shrimp, all priced between $14 and $15. A tofu vegetable bento is available for $13.75, and the Oide salad costs $12. Each bento includes a substantial portion of rice, two vegetable sides, and pickles, offering a complete meal. For those seeking a made-to-order option, the loco moco don, priced at $16, features a thick hamburger patty and egg served with a demi-glace gravy over rice. Customers can also choose from additional side dishes to complement their meals. Examples include potato salad for $5 and dashimaki tamago, a rolled omelet, for $7. The garlic chicken bento, highlighted in the article, consists of grilled chicken served with a shoyu sauce, noted for its strong garlic flavor. The generous portions and flavorful dishes have been well-received, particularly the well-cooked rice. The Arcade Building has historically hosted various culinary establishments, including the Silk Road Café, which offered Uzbek cuisine. Oide Kitchen now brings a different culinary experience to the location, focusing on Japanese-inspired bentos. The owners' transition from a full-service restaurant to a bento shop signifies an adaptation to market demands and the specific needs of the Downtown workforce, offering convenient and satisfying lunch options. The positive reception from early customers, including the author and their coworkers, suggests that Oide Kitchen is establishing itself as a viable option for local diners. #OideKitchen #BentoShop #DowntownHonolulu #JapaneseCuisine #GrabAndGo #LocalEats #HonoluluDining #ArcadeBuilding

Architect Andrew Lister designed a distinctive home for actor Yuri Kinugawa and film producer Owen Hughes in the Auckland suburb of Waterview. The residence, characterized by its tall silhouette, narrow upper window, and a blank cedar-clad facade, adheres to the principles of the Direct Compass, a Japanese discipline akin to feng shui. The home's exterior, covered in cedar weatherboards, initially appears utilitarian, yet conceals a thoughtfully designed interior. The house's structure is composed of two primary boxes connected by a passageway and an adjoining bathroom. Despite its compact footprint, the design creates an illusion of greater spaciousness, as noted by Hughes. A prominent feature of the living room is a two-story bookcase spanning the entire northern wall, housing Hughes’ extensive book collection. This vertical storage solution ingeniously maximizes space, drawing the eye upwards and adding visual texture without encroaching on floor area. The central area of the home is laid out efficiently, with the kitchen to the left and the bedroom to the right. Above these spaces, two offices are stacked, accessible via a stairway at the rear of the room. The interior is enriched by family antiques and Japanese textiles, which introduce complementary textures, transforming the angular space into a welcoming environment. Following Direct Compass principles, the bedroom, considered vital for family relationships, overlooks a small zen garden on the south side of the house. This placement is believed to promote mental clarity due to cooler temperatures. A six-foot-long passageway clearly delineates the transition from the public kitchen and dining areas to the private bedroom. The traditional Japanese bathroom, situated off the central passageway, serves as a space for washing before bathing in a wood-lined onsen (tub). While the north side of the house offers views of an estuary, the street-facing facade maintains a minimalist, private appearance. In stark contrast, the west-facing side features a double-height glass wall that can be fully opened, merging the living space with a veranda. This outdoor area overlooks the garden, estuary, and harbor, providing a setting for observing sunsets and occasional dolphin sightings. The home's exterior features low-maintenance Canadian cedar cladding and aluminum joinery, designed to age gracefully and harmonize with the surrounding garden's sculptural desert plants. The durability of these materials is crucial, given the home's exposure to south-westerly winds laden with salt from the estuary, a condition the chosen plants tolerate well. #JapaneseDesign #BoxHome #TwoStoryBookcase #SmallSpaceLiving #DirectCompass #AucklandArchitecture #CedarCladding #ZenGarden #OpenPlanLiving

In northern Italy's Piedmont region, a distinctive modernist pavilion stands as a contemporary interpretation of a castle, enveloped by its own body of water and accessible via a drawbridge. This architectural marvel, designed by Duilio Damilano of Damilano Studio, sought to create a secluded oasis, blending Italian luxury with the serene aesthetics of a Japanese Zen garden. The client and architect shared a mutual admiration for Japanese design principles, which significantly influenced the project's interior and exterior elements. The exterior of the pavilion features a large garden, conceptualized by landscape gardener Paolo Roagna. This garden draws inspiration from symmetrical Japanese botany, incorporating sculptural Bonsai trees and water features harmoniously alongside indigenous trees and shrubs. The building's perimeter is defined by sculptural metal grid structures on opposing sides. These grids are not merely aesthetic; they provide essential shade during the summer months and are adorned with geometrically positioned square blocks of Fir wood, adding visual depth. The external walls are also crafted from Fir wood, treated with the traditional Japanese Shou Sugi Ban technique, which involves burning the wood to enhance its durability. The single-floor dwelling utilizes pigmented micro cement throughout. Externally, this material is acid-etched to mimic the appearance of natural stone, while the interior surfaces are left smooth. The internal layout is designed to foster continuous interaction with the surrounding natural environment, largely achieved through expansive sliding glass walls. The interiors showcase a thoughtful curation of design pieces, where luxury meets functionality and artistic expression. In the sitting room, a playful ‘Cactus’ coatrack by Guido Drocco and Franco Mello immediately captures attention, positioned near a painting titled ‘Sardinia’ by Andrea Lo Papa. The room also features an enveloping ‘Pack’ sofa by Edra, illuminated by Ingo Maurer’s ‘Lacrime del Pescatore’ lighting. A hand-crafted rug by Mohebban Milano and a collection of wooden sculptures by Austrian artist Daniel Eggli further enrich the space. The dining room offers a contrasting palette to the building's earthy brown tones. It features a gold leaf table, designed by Dilmos Milano, complemented by ‘Ella’ chairs by Jacopo Foggini for Edra, which are described as having soft, gleaming molten amber hues. The ‘Scrigno’ sideboard, with its mosaic mirror shards, adds a deeper luster, reflecting the jewel-toned scheme. Damilano describes these colors as representing the 'earth and territory, warm and material colors.' The kitchen and bathrooms maintain a practical yet refined aesthetic. The kitchen, hand-built in oak by a local carpenter, is designed for industrial efficiency, a material choice echoed in the bathroom. The bathroom is equipped with ‘Origini’ taps by Gessi, ‘I Ching’ towel warmers by Elisa Ossino for Tubes, and sanitary ware by Cielo Ceramiche. In the main bedroom, a burnished dragon motif, painted by artist Riccardo Brotini, adorns the entire back wall, drawing inspiration from Japanese mythology where dragons symbolize cosmic guardianship and control over natural elements. A foldaway bed is integrated into the ceiling, allowing for flexible use of the space, which also connects to the terrace, pool, and gardens through sliding glass doors. The design team's overarching goal was to create a dynamic yet meditative natural experience, with the metal mesh and interlocking wooden blocks forming an optical illusion that changes as one moves around the pavilion. This integration of Italian luxury with Japanese Zen principles culminates in a home that emphasizes well-being and a harmonious connection with its environment. #ModernistPavilion #ItalianLuxury #JapaneseZenGarden #ArchitectureDesign #PiedmontHome #DuilioDamilano #InteriorDesign #ShouSugiBan #LandscapeDesign

Metaphor Interior Architecture, a Jakarta-based interior design consultancy, services clients globally. This firm, composed of creative individuals, aims to provide optimal design solutions, specifically focusing on The Zora Kanade cluster. Christine, a senior associate, spearheads the design for Kanade Type 12. She reveals that her prior work on the Samasana Club House at The Zora provided a foundational understanding of the developer's design aspirations for the Kanade Cluster, which she extended to its three show unit houses. Her approach to the design brief involved analyzing the high-end target market and varied price points of the three housing units to determine appropriate interior design concepts. This led to distinct designs for each show unit, all incorporating a Japanese sensibility tailored for a modern, affluent demographic. Christine explains that the Japanese philosophy is translated not through direct imitation, but through the principle of 'balancing,' akin to Zen philosophy. This balance is evident in the harmonious use of colors, materials, and room composition, which collectively contribute to the desired ambiance. Elaborating on design balance, Christine highlights that each room's decor aligns with its function. For instance, a spacious area between the living and dining rooms demonstrates their strategy for balancing different zones within a single space. They also collaborate with Henco Home Decor to supply custom-designed furniture. Regarding color palettes, earth tones like brown or gray form the base, augmented by accent colors such as burnt orange, teal, and combinations thereof. While orange might not be traditionally Japanese, teal and olive are chosen for their natural associations, reflecting leaf colors. These accent colors are strategically employed to infuse a modern and luxurious feel into the Japanese aesthetic. Acknowledging the Japanese preference for simplicity, Christine clarifies that the target market's demand for luxury necessitated a nuanced approach to color, resulting in a unique modern atmosphere. The three show units, contrary to having a common thread, are each designed with distinct interior concepts to cater to their specific target markets. For example, the Type 12 unit targets a mature clientele prioritizing luxury, while Type 8+ and Type 10 units are designed with younger families in mind, featuring more youthful aesthetics. To ensure each unit resonates with potential buyers, the design process incorporates diverse consumer style preferences. These customer needs are then translated into unique designs for each unit, varying in color and overall concept. Material selection prioritizes both aesthetics and ease of maintenance, with choices like solid surface, marble, or laminate ensuring durability and practicality. #InteriorDesign #JapaneseDesign #LuxuryHomes #MetaphorInteriorArchitecture #HomeDecoration #DesignPhilosophy #ColorPalette #MaterialSelection