Store Interior Construction in Japan

Stores, cafes and offices around the world are increasingly influenced by Japanese design. This is due to the influence of a unique aesthetic, known as “Ma,” that’s characterized by a natural flow of items and furniture in a space. The philosophy behind this style is to create spaces with a sense of openness and emptiness, and to emphasize the importance of balance and harmony. While there are many variations on the theme of Ma, a common thread is the emphasis on creating open and flexible environments where people can interact and find what they’re looking for. You can find more information about choosing a 店舗内装.

One of the most common uses of the Ma design concept is in Japanese apartment buildings. Originally a result of the country’s rural and nomadic history, Japanese apartments are often designed with minimal walls and sliding doors that let in soft diffused light. The floor is covered with tatami mats, and the furniture lines up on one or two sides of the room. Walls are often replaced by partitions made of paper on a wood frame, and they can easily be moved to change the layout of a space.

The concept of Ma has also been incorporated into traditional Japanese temples, palaces and government buildings. The first incarnations of these structures were built during the medieval period, when Japan was under Japanese rule. The influence of Chinese ideas waned, and the styles developed along lighter and more austere lines. The style was further consolidated during the shogunate era, with the construction of large temples, governmental buildings and train stations.

Today, the style continues to thrive in Japan. There are numerous high-end designers based in Tokyo, and many of them are well-known globally. This includes architects like Kengo Kuma and nendo. Many of these designs incorporate a modernist sensibility with traditional elements, and there is a strong influence from Western architecture, particularly Modernism.

Japanese designers have also pushed the boundaries of interior design, especially in public spaces. The iconic Shibuya crossing in Tokyo is a perfect example, with its glass and steel structure that combines elements of neoclassical and postmodernism. The 1964 Olympics gave a big boost to new design in the country, with buildings like the Nippon Budokan and the Yoyogi National Gymnasium constructed by Kenzo Tange.

In more recent times, the minimalist brand Muji has helped promote a new generation of design enthusiasts. The company has been working with municipal housing agencies to renovate and redecorate units that have become vacant, tearing out walls, opening kitchens and reorganising storage space.

Another Tokyo-based designer is torafu, which recently completed the design of a boutique clothing store in Shinjuku. The store is themed around the project ’team japan’, curating goods, experiences and lifestyle products that reflect this cultural theme. The boutique is configured with large and small grey moveable boxes that are assembled to showcase different merchandise. Each container has a reinforced frame that looks similar to those used in shipping, with mirrors placed on both sides of the space to reflect its surroundings and highlight different perspectives.