Strong first impression

This spectacular canopy with its broad and open welcome, not only becomes a useful compact roof protecting guests from the rain above, but proves to leave all who walk through its doors with a favorably strong first impression.

Rainbow-colored collection of unglazed tiles

Just look closely and you should be able to see a rainbow-colored collection of unglazed tiles in the shape of grapes, vines, birds and dragonflies, which seamlessly blend into the design of the surface wall below.

http://www.ogasawaratei.com/en/index.html

Restaurant Ogasawara Hakushaku

Cast your eyes to the canopy above…

This Western-style building is reminiscent of a grand and elegant lady, who draws all of her guests into the southern Spanish world within.  The translucent design of the canopy must make for hard work in the cleaning department, but the charmingly unique character it adds to the building is certainly unforgettable.   

 

Feeling loved

Ah, the joy and happiness of feeling loved even if only from one person in 10,000!

To be merely ‘liked’ by everybody for me, is exactly the same as not being passionately loved by anybody.  In the line of work that I do, I am blessed to have even just one person in 10,000 to request a commissioning.  My mind is always turned to thoughts of just what kind of client would require my services – whether they come from Japan or the world beyond.  The challenge of seeking that fate-filled encounter continues onwards, in this precious life we only have one chance to enjoy.

Get right back to my roots

The University Museum, the University of Tokyo

http://www.um.u-tokyo.ac.jp/exhibition/annex.html

For me, the University of Tokyo’s University Museum is one of my favorite spaces.  A place with an array of unique items; a globe, stuffed animals and so much more – it is here that I am best able to collect my thoughts and get right back to my roots.

Rooftop of the best-selling female author

Cast your eyes to the rooftop…

This splendid memoriam house from the early Showa Era was once the home of the best-selling female author Fumiko Hayashi.  The trees have broken free and climbed up and beyond the roof of the house, completing the picture of a perfect and easygoing harmony with nature.  Having been somewhat of a nomadic individual since her youth, Hayashi’s numerous journeys throughout her life can be seen to crossover in the home lifestyle of the author. 

This typical Japanese-style home features tiles commonly used as building materials in thatched roofing.  The reflection of the sunlight upon the tiles is truly magnificent, and when you cast your eyes up to the roof it’s very easy to get lost in thoughts of the builders of the day covering the rooftop tile by tile.  

Lampshade‘washi’

This lampshade features a gently visible image drawn into handmade Japanese paper ‘washi’.  Its glazed pottery stand in the shape of a ‘hyotan’ gourd, was delicately hand-painted by a renowned Kyoto.

Light seeping through a bamboo grove.

Calming your spirit with a lush and warm stream of light

Rather than a bright and at times blinding light, a low-lit, soft glow can provide calm at times of need.  At night, it can help one rejuvenate from the day and allow ones senses to rest with a warm and cozy lamp by ones side.

Light seeping through a bamboo grove.

Passageway 2

Experience every season with all five of your senses.

The sound of rustling leaves in Komaba Park is truly breathtaking.

The borders between ‘inside’ and ‘outside’ become pleasantly blurry, and a place of quiet and peace is created with the sounds of nature surrounding your being.

http://maskweb.jp/b_maeda_1_1.html

The luxury of an outdoor passageway 1

Experience every season with all five of your senses.

The babbling stream of the Oume River.

When you have the luxury of an outdoor passageway attached to the building, the garden just feels all that much bigger.  The borders between ‘inside’ and ‘outside’ become pleasantly blurry, and a place of quiet and peace is created with the sounds of nature surrounding your being.