A New Atlas of Japan’s Boundary - Defying Design Culture - SSOJ : The Japanese Spatial Designer Annual Vol. 01 is now released

In a world where disciplines blur, and spatial intelligence becomes a new luxury, Japan's design community is stepping into the global spotlight - this time on its own terms. The JAPANESE SPATIAL DESIGNER ANNUAL Vol. 01, set to be released in April 2025, provides an unprecedented international showcase of 90 leading Japanese designers across various fields, including architecture, interior design, landscape, lighting, furniture, photography, and more.

Published by the Japan Spatial Designers Support Organization (SSOJ), this bilingual (Japanese - English) hardcover is not only a collector’s item but also a strategic resource designed for global curators, developers, gallery owners, and decision-makers looking for the best of Japan’s spatial culture.

Each featured designer is profiled over four editorially rich pages, including 10 and 14 project images and a dual-language narrative. These profiles offer a multidimensional view of how Japanese designers redefine the rules of form, function, and atmosphere.

The book launched with a special editorial feature titled “How Japanese Spatial Design Continues to Influence the World,” showcasing insights from industry leaders.

- Tadao Kamei, Chairman, Nikken Sekkei: "Void and Substance in Design"

- George Kunihiro, UIA Board Member: "The Global Perception of Japanese Space"

- Fumio Nanjo, Former Director, Mori Art Museum: "Public Art and Civic Identity"

- Tadanori Nagasawa, President, Musashino Art University: "The Future of Japanese Design Education"

- Plus, other cultural figures who are shaping Asia's design discourse.

The project's bold mission is to reposition Japanese spatial design as a transdisciplinary force—linking tradition to technology, minimalism to emotion, and craftsmanship to commerce. SSOJ, the editorial and strategic body behind this initiative, aims to connect designers with global opportunities, offering visibility and frameworks for international collaboration.

With its first volume, the JAPANESE SPATIAL DESIGNER ANNUAL lays the groundwork for a new kind of diplomacy, where design acts as the language and space tells the story.

For rights, media inquiries, or collaboration requests, please contact:

https://www.ssoj-japan.com

or visit: https://www.amazon.co.jp/JAPANESE-SPATIAL-DESIGNER-ANNUAL-日本の空間デザイナー年鑑/dp/4910949569

Earthboat V1: The Nomadic Timber Retreat Reviving Japan’s Forgotten Leisure Landscapes

In a serene corner of rural Japan, a remarkable transformation is unfolding—one that reimagines our relationship with space, nature, and the forgotten realms of post-bubble leisure culture. PAN-PROJECTS, a design studio based in London and Tokyo, celebrated for its elegantly restrained interventions and architectural diplomacy, is at the forefront of this movement. Their latest endeavour, Earthboat V1, is a powerful prototype: a compact, mobile cabin crafted entirely from Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT), designed to “float” gracefully above the land it embraces.

The Earthboat transcends nostalgia for countryside glamping; it embodies a thoughtful act of architectural reclamation. Once, Japan’s economic boom filled the countryside with leisure attractions like golf resorts, ski fields, and fishing ponds. Today, many of these sites lie dormant, echoes of a hopeful past. Earthboat V1 gently interacts with these spaces with its humble 20.5 square meter footprint. It eschews traditional foundations, resting lightly on the terrain, preserving the landscape while inviting a refreshing temporary habitation.

At first glance, the cabin's silhouette is strikingly modernist—a beautifully balanced architectural haiku in timber. A refined yet functional layout features a sauna, modular storage, and panoramic views that dissolve the boundaries between the indoor and outdoor worlds. The prefabricated design enhances assembly and ensures the unit can be relocated, minimizing environmental impact and adapting to evolving needs or seasonal contexts.

The concept remains dynamic, with around sixty Earthboat units now distributed across seven sites in Japan. This architecture moves—responsive to the land, memories, and utility. Each deployment signifies an act of regeneration—a fleeting reanimation of neglected spaces, sidestepping conventional development's permanence (and often abandonment).

The true innovation lies in its material intelligence. In a culture where CLT tends to be reserved for larger structures, Earthboat V1 recalibrates this scale, marrying high-performance, sustainable timber technology with a human-centred, emotionally resonant format—a quiet revolution in Japanese architecture.

As both a retreat and a powerful idea, Earthboat V1 exemplifies the pinnacle of hospitality architecture: providing shelter and offering a new lens through which to experience a place. It invites us to explore how to inhabit the in-between—not as owners or consumers but as thoughtful stewards of space and time.

ABOUT PAN_PROJECTS

PAN- PROJECTS is a London-based architectural design studio co-founded in 2017 by Japanese architects Yuriko Yagi and Kazumasa Takada. The studio engages in architecture, interior, installation, product, and exhibition design through multidisciplinary collaborations.

Founding Partners:

• Yuriko Yagi, M.Arch, Arkitekt MAA: Yagi earned her Bachelor and Master of Architecture Design degrees from Kyoto Institute of Technology in 2014 and 2017, respectively.

• Kazumasa Takada, M.Arch, ARB/RIBA: Takada completed his Bachelor of Architecture at Waseda University in 2015 and obtained a Master of Arts in Architecture from The Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in 2017.

Left: Yuriko Yagi
Co-founder, PAN- PROJECTS | Arkitekt MAA

Right: Kazumasa Takada
Co-founder, PAN- PROJECTS | Architect ARB/RIBA

PAN- PROJECTS has been recognized in the architectural community, including being longlisted for the Emerging Architecture Studio of the Year and Large Retail Interior Design categories at the 2021 Dezeen Awards.

Website: https://pan-projects.com

Heritage Reimagined: Shinbashi Tamakiya’s New Era of Tsukudani Tradition

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.

Design Perspective

Aioi's innovative approach to the redesign of Shinbashi Tamakiya's main store is a departure from traditional tsukudani shop layouts. Instead of the typical dominant counters and brief customer interactions, the design embraces openness. It features strategically placed flat display fixtures that encourage a more dynamic, three-dimensional space exploration. This unique layout allows customers to linger and engage more deeply with Tamakiya's artisanal tsukudani offerings, creating a comfortable and contemplative environment. The store design uses understated materials and a neutral colour palette, invoking a sense of calm and reflecting the simplicity of Japanese aesthetics. This ensures that the store feels serene and uncluttered while drawing attention to the meticulously arranged products.

A notable addition is a dining space within the retail environment, which is an uncommon feature for a Tsukudani specialty store. This area allows customers to sample dishes that highlight tsukudani as a central ingredient, providing a unique opportunity to experience this traditional food's versatility and rich flavors. This "living display" of Japanese culinary heritage transforms the store into a multisensory journey, bridging Tamakiya's historical past with the evolving tastes of today's clientele.

Business and Cultural Value

For a brand like Shinbashi Tamakiya, this redesign reinforces its role as a custodian of cultural tradition. Highlighting tsukudani, a preserved food, is a significant choice—it embodies Japan's values of sustainability, resourcefulness, and reverence for nature. The design aims to introduce this craft to a new generation, serving as a business strategy and a cultural statement. It allows the brand to attract a broader demographic, including younger consumers and international visitors unfamiliar with tsukudani. This emphasis on business and cultural value will leave the audience feeling confident about the brand's future and its commitment to cultural preservation.

By incorporating educational elements and an experiential tasting room, Tamakiya positions tsukudani as an ingredient that bridges traditional and modern culinary worlds. This approach not only fosters cultural value but also stimulates business growth. The blend of functionality and brand impression is crafted to create a memorable, immersive experience that reflects Aioi's vision of transmitting Japanese food culture to future generations. These educational elements will leave customers feeling informed and enlightened about the cultural significance of tsukudani.

As Tamakiya steps into a new era, the store's design embodies both respect for its rich past and a steadfast commitment to a sustainable, culturally enriched future. The result is a space that is as timeless as it is forward-thinking—a reflection of Japanese heritage reimagined for a world that values authenticity, tradition, and innovation equally.

For more information, please visit: https://aioi-design.jp/

*This project is one of the shortlisted project in the Sky Design Awards 2024 - Interior Design - Retail Design Division

Designer Profile

A New Era of Smart Travel: Holiday Inn Express Opens in Midosuji, Osaka

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.

The hotel's design theme, aptly named "Smart & Comfy," is a unique blend of modern travel essence, prioritizing practicality and relaxation. Situated along the prestigious Midosuji Avenue, the hotel's stunning backdrop inspires its interior design, reflecting the grandeur and vibrancy of the area. The careful incorporation of the brand's signature blue colour—symbolizing comfort and trust—adorns the lobby and public spaces, creating an inviting atmosphere that feels familiar and distinctive.

As guests enter the lobby, they are welcomed by a striking reception area filled with deep blue tones, creating a memorable first impression. This bold use of colour highlights the hotel's branding and fosters a sense of warmth and hospitality, encouraging travellers to relax after their journey. At this reception, Osaka's true essence begins to unfold.

The esteemed MITSUI Designtec expertly designed the hotel's interior, combining aesthetic appeal and functionality. A standout feature is the beautifully crafted map installation, which highlights Osaka's most beloved tourist attractions. Positioned for maximum visibility from the reception counter, this interactive art piece serves a dual purpose: a visual delight and a conversation starter. This thoughtful design element fosters interactions between guests and hotel staff, enriching the guest experience by encouraging discussions about the myriad adventures awaiting in the vibrant city of Osaka.

In addition to the map, the hotel features graphic wall art that showcases evocative scenes from the local neighbourhood. This artwork offers guests a visual narrative of their surroundings and a deeper connection to the city's culture. These impressive depictions, including representations of the Osaka dialect, enhance the sense of place, allowing visitors to connect with the city and its culture. Such meticulous attention to the local experience reflects the hotel staff's commitment to ensuring guests leave with cherished memories, creating a bond beyond a typical stay.

The hotel's unwavering commitment to creating a comforting and memorable atmosphere is evident in every aspect of the guest experience. From the well-appointed rooms designed for relaxation to communal spaces that encourage socialization, the Holiday Inn Express in Midosuji is more than just a place to rest; it is a thoughtfully curated environment that celebrates the essence of Osaka while catering to the needs of modern travellers.

As Japan's first Holiday Inn Express, this property sets a new standard for intelligent, comfortable, and culturally attuned hospitality. It reinforces IHG's dedication to blending international standards with local flavours and serves as a testament to Japan's evolving nature of travel. In a city renowned for its rich heritage and vibrant atmosphere, the Holiday Inn Express in Midosuji stands out as a modern hospitality beacon, inviting guests to explore, engage, and create lasting memories in the heart of one of Japan's most dynamic cities.

For more information, please visit: https://www.mitsui-designtec.co.jp/

*This project is one of the shortlisted project in the Sky Design Awards 2024 - Interior Design - Hotel & Resorts Division

Designer Profile

manu coffee Reimagined: A 20-Year Legacy of Culture and Connection

In 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.

After 20 years, Takasu Gaku Design and Associates have renovated Manu Coffee to honour its history and encourage new interactions. The new design features a sizeable operable steel sash on the shopfront, creating a transparent space that invites people to look inside and blurs the boundary between the street and the interior. This design aims to bring the energy of the street inside while maintaining the café's role as a cultural hub.

The renovation beautifully combines old and new elements. The counters and bench seating were made using traditional plastering techniques, while the floor has been patched with different materials, preserving its history while giving it a fresh look. These layered textures create a warm and authentic atmosphere, making the space feel familiar yet rejuvenated.

The soft lighting creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, piquing the curiosity of those passing by. The goal is to create a space that feels deeply connected to its surroundings, fostering a sense of continuity, security, and connection between the café's long-standing presence and the ever-evolving city. This renovation is not just about updating a space; it's about strengthening the bond between the café, the street, and the community it serves.

The aim is for this newly designed entrance to serve as both a physical and symbolic gateway, promoting the exchange of ideas and culture, and continuing to shape Haruyoshi's identity. As the café embarks on a new chapter, it will undoubtedly continue its dedicated mission of nurturing Fukuoka's subcultures, serving as a place where the old meets the new, and where the past informs the future, fostering a sense of continuity and anticipation for what's to come.

For more information, please visit: https://gaku-design.com

*This project is one of the shortlisted project in the Sky Design Awards 2024 - Interior Design - Restaurant, Bar & Clubs Division

Designer Profile

Elevating Airport Hospitality: OMO Kansai Airport’s Playful Design Celebrates the Art of Travel

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.

The hotel's architectural concept is centred around adding "fun" to the guest experience, making it an extension of their journey and a destination. MITSUI Designtec approached the renovation with a focus on balancing practicality and aesthetic innovation. The hotel's design subtly incorporates elements of aviation and the excitement of travel. Notable features include an intricately crafted airplane object as the focal point in the lobby and lighting fixtures that resemble the dynamic form of an airplane turbine. These elements bring a sense of motion and energy to the space, capturing the spirit of flight. They are not just decorative but are intended to immerse guests in the travel experience, visually connecting them to the airport environment while maintaining an elegant, contemporary interior.

The hotel's design takes into account the needs of modern travellers. The spacious, streamlined interiors offer a peaceful retreat from the bustling airport atmosphere, ensuring that you can relax and recharge during your stay. The intentionally neutral colour palette, complemented by warm accents and natural materials, creates a welcoming and functional environment. This calm yet engaging atmosphere provides guests with a space to relax, whether they are staying for a brief stopover or a more extended layover, despite the transient nature of airports.

The OMO Kansai Airport emphasizes convenience and ease of movement. The hotel is located just steps away from the airport's terminal and offers unique services such as the 'Airporter' luggage delivery, which allows guests to streamline their travel experience from check-in to check-out. This service is a testament to our commitment to making your stay as stress-free as possible. The overall design facilitates a smooth and efficient stay, with a playful edge that reflects OMO's exciting mission to turn ordinary city experiences into memorable adventures. This promise of adventure is sure to pique the interest of any traveller.

At OMO Kansai Airport, modern travel seamlessly combines functional and whimsical design. MITSUI Designtec's approach creates a space where guests can transition between worlds - whether it's between different time zones, flights, or destinations - while enjoying carefully curated design that enhances the joy of movement, travel, and discovery. This is not just a hotel; it's the perfect bridge between the excitement of journeying and the comfort of arriving.

For more information, please visit: https://www.mitsui-designtec.co.jp/

*This project is one of the shortlisted project in the Sky Design Awards 2024 - Interior Design - Hotel & Resorts Division