JAPANESE SPATIAL DESIGNER ANNUAL Vol. 01 is now available, featuring 90 of Japan’s most innovative architects, interior and lighting designers, and creative visionaries. The publication is bilingual, visually rich, and relevant globally.

In the foothills of rural Japan, PAN- PROJECTS quietly redefines the architecture of impermanence. Their latest prototype, Earthboat V1, is a mobile timber retreat built entirely from Cross-Laminated Timber — designed not to claim land, but to touch it lightly and move on. Equal parts shelter and statement, the 20.5m² cabin revives forgotten leisure sites with Scandinavian clarity and Japanese restraint. Featuring a sauna, modular interiors, and zero foundations, the Earthboat is less about escape than encounter — a new, slower ritual of living with nature.

The KT102 residence, a transformative creation by In Him's Interior Design, redefines the interplay of architectural forms, natural elements, and interior flow. The innovative 'shadow window' concept, a central feature of the project, orchestrates a remarkable synergy between light and space. These shadow windows, with their intentional fluidity, draw natural light into the home and visually frame the outdoor environment, enriching the home's interior narrative. This architectural feature transcends mere lighting; it establishes a rhythmic cadence throughout the residence.

The redesign of Shinbashi Tamakiya's main store by Aioi Design explores the deep cultural significance of tsukudani while incorporating a modern design approach. This update positions the historic brand to appeal to a contemporary and discerning audience. The space features a minimalist yet dignified aesthetic, showcasing modern functionality and a profound respect for heritage. These elements reflect the brand's commitment to preserving traditional Japanese food culture.

In a significant development for Japan's hospitality sector, IHG has opened its first Holiday Inn Express in the vibrant heart of Midosuji, Osaka. This new property, with its unique blend of functionality and comfort, marks an essential change in the travel landscape. It embodies the brand's philosophy of 'simple, smart travel' and is designed to cater to the needs of today's discerning travellers. With its strategic location, modern amenities, and thoughtful design, the hotel promises a unique and memorable stay experience.

In a time when luxury retail experiences constantly evolve, Shangri-La Eyeglasses in Sihaicheng is setting a new benchmark. It combines high-end eyewear with a meticulously designed environment, providing an immersive experience. Crafted by Chengyi (Guangzhou) Decoration Engineering Co., Ltd., this boutique design in elevating the retail experience. It invites customers into a realm of sophistication where service and product merge to create something truly unforgettable.

n the lively Haruyoshi district of Fukuoka, manu coffee has been a central part of the area's evolving subculture for the past two decades. This unassuming yet iconic café has been more than just a coffee place; it has served as a gathering spot for young professionals and a hub where Fukuoka's nightlife culture and creative communities come together. Situated at the unique intersection of the city's three central districts—Tenjin, Hakata, and Nakasu—Haruyoshi has developed into a unique enclave where nightlife, dining, and urban subcultures blend seamlessly. Within this dynamic setting, Manu Coffee has thrived for 20 years, creating its own story and building a dedicated following, a testament to our city's unique and vibrant culture.

OMO Kansai Airport by Hoshino Resorts, designed by MITSUI Designtec Co., Ltd., offers a unique airport hotel experience. It is the first OMO-branded hotel within an airport, and it involved renovating an existing hotel directly connected to Kansai International Airport, Japan's most significant air gateway to the west. The hotel's location, just steps away from the airport's terminal, ensures a stress-free and convenient stay, providing you with a sense of reassurance and ease. The design combines functionality with a playful urban aesthetic, inviting guests to view their journey as more than just transit but as an integral part of their travel adventure.

In the heart of Taiyuan, Shanxi, a groundbreaking project has come to life, redefining the relationship between space and human experience. Tang Talk, a stunning 617 square meter space designed by the visionary team at Jingle Design, is not just a physical structure but a living, breathing organism inspired by the intricate mechanisms of biomembrane systems. As one steps into Tang Talk, they find themselves engulfed in a world where the boundaries between art and functionality blur into a harmonious symphony of design. The space, transformed into a site for energy conversion, mirrors the inner workings of a cell factory. Every detail, meticulously crafted and thoughtfully placed, exudes a sense of purpose and vitality.

The Laminaesculapian, designed by KTX archived, is the new building for Himeji Daiichi Hospital. It replaces the old structure from the 1960s, which no longer meets earthquake resistance standards. The new facility aims to move away from hospitals' traditional monolithic look while still being highly functional for healthcare.

DOT Design's exhibition hall for BORCCI Kitchen Cabinets at the 2022 China International Building Decoration Fair (Shanghai) offers an immersive journey through art, culture, and sustainability. The space, inspired by the elegance of traditional Chinese gardens, aims to provide an experience of 'changing scenery with every step,' engaging visitors in a seamless blend of artistry, leisure, and amusement within a refined, contemporary framework.

In March 2024, Gathy revealed his latest masterpiece, Janu Tokyo, the highly anticipated flagship hotel for Aman's new sister brand. Janu, which means "soul" in Sanskrit, aims to blend mindful luxury and vibrant social energy. This concept is perfectly captured in the design of the Tokyo property, which combines European flair with understated Japanese elegance. Traditional Sakan wall plastering complements French-inspired interiors, resulting in a dynamic, timeless atmosphere that embodies both the ethos of the Janu brand and Gathy's signature design approach, where contemporary luxury meets cultural heritage.

Located in the northwest corner of Shanghai's M50 Creative Park, a hub for contemporary art and design, the Bird Water Tower is a captivating blend of the old and the new. Standing next to Heatherwick Studio's famous 1000 Trees, this historic water tower has existed for over fifty years. Previously owned by the well-known artist and curator Bing Su, the tower was unused for many years until FLIP Studio converted it into a vibrant venue for modern art and social gatherings.

Perched atop Ikebukuro’s Sunshine 60, TENBOU-PARK stands as a unique reimagining of urban spaces. It seamlessly merges panoramic views with tranquillity, offering a green escape in place of a bustling observatory. Nomura Co., Ltd. has crafted this 2023 project to redefine the observation deck’s purpose, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in a nature-inspired, biophilic environment over 220 meters above Tokyo.

Destiny Wedding Office is notable for its contemporary Chinese design, which skillfully incorporates light and gravity as aesthetic and symbolic elements. The project, led by GODOT DESIGN, redefines spatial storytelling focusing on attraction, connection, and emotional resonance. It represents a forward-thinking interpretation of architecture that goes beyond mere function, embodying the essence of modern Chinese design by blending abstract concepts with tangible forms to create environments that inspire and enhance experiences.

The Centara Grand Hotel Osaka, a masterpiece designed by Nikken Space Design, is a harmonious blend of Japanese and Thai aesthetics. This unique fusion intertwines Japan's refined traditions with Thailand's vibrant cultural essence, promising a captivating and intriguing experience for our esteemed guests. The hotel's design, a significant milestone as the Central Group extends its luxurious hospitality brand into the heart of Japan, is a visual testament to our commitment to providing a distinctive and unforgettable experience.

The "History is the Future" project by Dayi Design is located at 777 Huashan Road in Jiangyin City, Jiangsu Province. It is an exceptional example of integrating cultural preservation with modern innovation. Completed in May 2022 for Jinlu Tobacco and Wine, this 450-square-meter space reimagines the former site of Liu Yong University, revitalizing a historical setting while boldly embracing the future.

Located in the heart of Beppu's stunning landscape, where lush mountains meet the expansive seas, the newly unveiled Suginoi Hotel Sora-kan, designed by MITSUI Designtec Co., Ltd., sets a new standard for hospitality. As the flagship of the rejuvenated Suginoi Hotel, Sora-kan seamlessly blends contemporary design with Beppu's cultural and natural richness, creating an immersive experience that appeals to both first-time and seasoned travellers.

The TRIVAL office, designed by Kamitopen, transforms the traditional workspace into a dynamic environment where creativity, functionality, and aesthetic minimalism come together. The central feature of the design is the "Runway," which redefines how office spaces can facilitate interaction and workflow. In media production, TRIVAL's employees constantly engage with models and clients, conducting interviews and coordinating projects that require a seamless blend of creativity and efficiency.

Located in the serene and lush forest of Toyota, Japan, Villa P is a stunning architectural creation by KIRYU ATELIER＆T Architects Co., Ltd. Lead architect Seiji Takahashi's design philosophy is deeply rooted in the Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi, which celebrates the beauty of imperfection and impermanence. His design beautifully combines tradition and modernity, seamlessly integrating nature with structure, heritage with innovation, and light with shadow.