Teru Sushi

Restaurant for VRILLO Co., Ltd.

In Kitakyushu City, a local restaurant has seen significant change, attracting wider attention. Under the third generation owner's direction, it has gained recognition, reaching a large social media audience. The recent renovation aimed to further the owner's culinary performance concept, focusing on its artistic elements. The design includes a tea ceremony inspired entrance, creating anticipation for the counter seating. The dark space contributes to a dramatic dining experience.

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Teru Sushi by Norihiko Terai

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Restaurant by Norihiko Terai

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Norihiko Terai Teru Sushi

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Norihiko Terai Restaurant

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Unique Properties

Creates a theatrical space, distinct from typical dining venues. The tea ceremony-inspired approach heightens anticipation, leading to a dramatic counter. The black-toned space blends traditional craft with modern design, fostering intimacy. The circular counter acts as a stage, allowing close observation of the artisan's skill. Sensory presentations and cuisine provide a memorable experience. A new form of dining entertainment that harmonizes space and experience.

Tags

Restaurant Design, Sushi Restaurant, Renovation, Japanese Culture, Traditional Beauty, Modern Design, Theater-Style Restaurant, Natural Materials, Earthen Walls, Coffered Ceiling, Mino Momoyama, Japanese Modern, Luxury Restaurant, Craftsmanship

Production Technology

Patrons enter, experiencing a blend of traditional and modern design. Warm earthen walls and Italian tiles create texture. Ash and wood at the entrance lead to a circular counter. Crafted ceramic tiles, continuing Mino pottery tradition, surround a polished stone finish. The space highlights artisanal skill and history, offering a unique dining journey.

Design Challenge

Create theatrical dining, breaking tradition. Hurdles: maximizing limited space, blending tradition/modernity, enhancing experience beyond design. Solutions: circular counter, nuanced lighting, material harmony, integrated performance elements. Result: a novel theatrical dining experience.

Project Duration

This restaurant is located in Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka, Japan. The renovation began in July 2023 and was completed after approximately 90 days of construction.

Operation Flow

Enter via a tea ceremony-inspired path, unlike typical dining. Guests find a theater-like space with a central stage-counter. All seats offer clear chef views. Design uses traditional materials, like earthen walls and tiles, to engage all senses. Lighting highlights cuisine and chef skills. Guests enjoy chef interaction and community, experiencing a unique blend of space, craft, and culinary art.

Research

Research analyzed customer preferences, revealing demand for entertainment in dining. Spatial design studies showed dark tones, natural materials, and stage lighting created memorable experiences. Theatrical space analysis proved circular counters and performances enhanced engagement. Project aimed to redefine dining with immersive entertainment.

Inspiration

A traditional dining establishment in Kitakyushu transformed into a theatrical entertainment space. A tea ceremony-inspired passage heightens anticipation, leading to a stage-like counter. Black-toned space blends traditional materials with modern tech. Sensory presentations and cuisine redefine the dining experience.

Project Overview

Teru Sushi Restaurant has been a Silver winner in the Interior Space and Exhibition Design award category in the year 2024 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.

Image Credits

For design images and photos please credit Norihiko Terai.

Silver Recognition

Norihiko Terai was recognized with the coveted Silver A' Design Award in 2025, a testament to excellence of their work Teru Sushi Restaurant.

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