Contemporary
Japanese
Restaurant Design
Published by Periplus Editions, with editorial offices at 61 Tai Seng Avenue, #02-12, Singapore 534167.
Copyright © 2004 Periplus Editions (HK) Ltd.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior permission of the publisher.
ISBN: 978-1-4629-0667-3 (ebook)
Printed in Singapore
Design: Mind Design
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A variety of "tricks" is used to create this traditional tea ceremony room in the basement of a modern building All electrical equipment, from lighting to air conditioners, is concealed by natural materials. In this photo, light filters through the washi (handmade paper).
Contents
Introduction
Contemporary Restaurant Design in Japan 8
Part 1
Xex 16
Torafuku 22
Chokyaku Yowa 28
Bou's 34
Hana Noren 40
Kuruma 46
Koomon 52
Part 2
The River Oriental 58
Kan 62
Tamasaka 66
Jiyugaoka Grill 72
Zabo 76
Togetsusou Kinryu 82
Chashitsu San-an 88
Hika 94
Negiya Heikichi 100
Scorpione 106
Kushi no Bo 110
Kichiri 116
Part 3
Ken's Dining 122
Murata Mitsui 128
Niu 134
Africa 138
Tile 142
Daidaiya Ginza 148
Lee Nang Ha 154
Futong Mandarin 160
Kamonka 164
Epilogue
Bou's, a modern restaurant in Shinjuku, Tokyo, is lit with green lights, which are set within partitions made from finely crushed wine bottles.
Introduction
Contemporary Restaurant
Design in Japan
There is no large city in the world in which a Japanese restaurant cannot be found. In New York, London, Paris, Beijing, and even in Cairo, Japanese dishes such as sushi, yakitori, tempura, and shabu-shabu are available. The popularity of Japanese food is in part due to its reputation as a healthy alternative and also owes something to the atmosphere of refinement for which Japanese dining is well known Far from being a passing fad, Japanese cookery is now an established item on the menu of famous international cuisine.
In Japan itself, new trends in food and in dining itself are constantly emerging. Despite the recession, many restaurants in Japan enjoy full bookings three or four months in advance due to the popularity of the menu and to the innovative design that marks the restaurants themselves.
Historically, the Japanese have always been quick to introduce new tastes into their daily meals. Uniquely, the typical Japanese diet includes dishes taken from the menu of nations as varied as France, Italy, China and various parts of Africa. The traditions of Japanese cookery are alive and well, but there is a real curiosity about food and willingness to try something new This outgoing approach to food has had a direct and profound influence on the work of restaurant designers in Japan, who are themselves always looking for a more innovative, exciting approach to designing dining spaces.
Sushi restaurants are traditionally designed so that diners face the chef across a counter A new style of sushi restaurant has appeared in recent years, however, in which diners are seated on sofas and enjoy wine, rather than the conventional sake, with their sushi. Some regard this approach to the sushi restaurant as rather precious, but it has caught on with younger diners who are eager to try new things.
The younger generation of Japanese have been brought up surrounded by elements of Western culture. Though they feel a real attachment to Japanese food, they appreciate innovation in both the dishes on the menu and the design of the