Oita Soho

Modern Japanese Restaurant for Muzo

Oita Soho was designed to create a sophisticated, relaxing space with Japanese influences and carrying some of the identity established in Oita’s first restaurant, informal and verdant with plants throughout. The space required more than the conventional approaches of minimalistic modern Japanese design to deliver a distinct, remarkable experience that is a synthesis of aesthetic and cultural elements. The work was inspired by the Tanizaki essay "In Praise of Shadows" which discusses the use, meaning and aesthetics of darkness and shadows in Japanese art, design and architecture.

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Oita Soho by Mika Kanayama

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Modern Japanese Restaurant by Mika Kanayama

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Mika Kanayama Oita Soho

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Mika Kanayama Modern Japanese Restaurant

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Mika Kanayama Designer Portrait Photo

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MuzoBrand Logo

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Unique Properties

It was designed to create a sophisticated, relaxing space with Japanese influences, and carrying some of the identity established in Oita's first restaurant, informal and verdant with plants throughout the space. The space required more than the conventional approaches of minimalistic modern Japanese design to deliver a distinct, remarkable experience that is a synthesis of aesthetic and cultural elements. The space required more than the conventional approaches of minimalistic modern Japanese design, to deliver a distinct, remarkable experience that is a synthesis of aesthetic and cultural elements.Backlit paper parasols are placed overlapping in a flowing pattern that follows the stairs creating a feature wall to surprise and delight leading visitors to the upper level. The warm light of the parasols is accentuated in the dark. Lighting is careful and muted throughout relying on position and shades. Two mirrors placed parallel in opposite directions reflect the lights infinitely in their depths, adding to the glow and mystery of the space.

Tags

Japanese restaurant design, muzo, Oita, interior design, restaurant design, Japanese design, chinatown

Production Technology

Grade II Listed Building Material: Fire retardant timber & veneered oak MDF throughout.

Design Challenge

As it was a Grade II listed building, the history of the premises was researched in depth prior to work. Great consideration was given at design stage and fit-out work was carried out carefully. Any finishes that needed repairing was matched to the original finish.

Project Duration

The project was completed in January 2023 in London.

Operation Flow

Backlit paper parasols are placed overlapping in a flowing pattern that follows the stairs creating a feature wall to surprise and delight leading visitors to the upper level. The warm light of the parasols is accentuated in the dark. Lighting is careful and muted throughout relying on position and shades. Two mirrors placed parallel in opposite directions reflect the lights infinitely in their depths, adding to the glow and mystery of the space.

Research

The space is abundant with plants and botanical imagery bringing a sense of exotic night garden or conservatory. Artworks by Imao Keinen featuring birds in seasonal settings with plants and flowers feature throughout, furthering the theme, Keinen’s masterful use of colours is utilised to play with the décor palette introducing flashes of bright colour that are echoed elsewhere, harmonising with the greenery and midnight shades to effect a unique, spectral contrast. The effect has almost the feeling of Japanese lacquerware artwork made real where living forms are presented luminously against the deep dark of lacquer surfaces.

Inspiration

The work was inspired by the Tanizaki essay 'In Praise of Shadows' which discusses the use, meaning and aesthetics of darkness and shadows in Japanese art, design and architecture.

Image Credits

Image #1: Photographer Sara Hibbert Image #2: Photographer Sara Hibbert Image #3: Photographer Sara Hibbert Image #4: Photographer Sara Hibbert Image #5: Photographer Sara Hibbert

Project Overview

Oita Soho Modern Japanese Restaurant has been a Silver winner in the Interior Space and Exhibition Design award category in the year 2023 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Silver A' Design Award celebrates top-tier designs that embody excellence and innovation. This award acknowledges creations that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional, reflecting the designer's deep understanding and skill. Silver A' Design Award recipients are recognized for their contribution to raising industry standards and advancing the practice of design. Their work often incorporates original innovations and elicits a strong emotional response, making a notable impact on the improvement of everyday life.

Silver Recognition

Mika Kanayama was recognized with the coveted Silver A' Design Award in 2024, a testament to excellence of their work Oita Soho Modern Japanese Restaurant.

Mika Kanayama Press Releases

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