Issen designed by Takasu Gaku Design and Associates (Japan)
Located in the Taito ward of Tokyo, Asakusa is a bustling area popular among domestic and international tourists. It is about a 10-minute walk north from Asakusa Temple, which is a prominent tourist attraction representing Asakusa. Situated in a residential neighborhood known as "Oku-Asakusa," where small dining establishments are scattered, is the interior project for a Japanese tea and dessert shop called "Issen."
The various Japanese teas and beautiful dishes offered in the store are a tribute to agricultural producers from all over Japan. The shop owner personally visits the origins of these products, sourcing only the tea leaves and ingredients that meet their own standards and beliefs. These carefully selected items are then beautifully presented to the customers.
In accordance with the style of their operation, which places a strong emphasis on appealing to all five senses, including taste, sight, and smell, the space is composed exclusively of essential Japanese traditional materials that naturally evoke a sense of respect for nature. Elements such as earthen floors, natural stone counters, and walls made to resemble earth walls using handmade washi paper emphasize the texture unique to natural materials and those crafted by hand. These choices not only honor the tactile and aesthetic qualities inherent in natural and handcrafted materials but also reflect a deep reverence for nature, with the entire space being constructed solely from fundamental Japanese traditional materials.
In a remarkably small space of only 25 square meters (approximately 8 tatami mats), the serene atmosphere is composed of the graceful gestures of the owner and a few customers. It evokes the ambiance of a traditional tearoom, with a large light fixture made from handcrafted washi paper with a cascading water pattern covering the entire counter. This contemporary "nodate" (outdoor tea ceremony) expression portrays the concept of a minimalistic tea space, reminiscent of a tea ceremony room.
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Website: https://gaku-design.com