- 2026 Pioneer Prize
- From Dining Space
Kanshin
Project Description
A quietly tucked-away Japanese restaurant in Higashi-Azabu, Tokyo.
Here, guests can find pleasure in a selection of seasonal delicacies in an unpretentious à la carte dining style.
The interior carries on the traditional Japanese aesthetic of understated beauty, while being refined through a contemporary spatial composition. As you pass through the tranquil approach, leaving behind the hustle and bustle of the city, you’ll find a majestic eight-meter Japanese zelkova counter set within a space enveloped by earthen walls. Here, around ten guests can enjoy their cuisine while conversing with the chef and one another.
The walls feature earthen plaster that beautifully captures light and shadow, along with traditional shoji screens that filter soft light, while the ceiling is adorned with Uzukuri-finish cedar planks. Traditional Japanese materials such as paper, earth, and wood harmonize with contemporary lighting, lending the space warmth, depth, and a sense of comfort.
Spending time savoring seasonal flavors while conversing with the chef in a space that satisfies all five senses is truly exceptional. Guests can watch the chef’s meticulous craftsmanship unfold before their eyes and savor the cuisine with a sense of immediacy. With both the space and the cuisine embodying a free-spirited atmosphere unbound by traditional conventions, this space achieves the perfect balance between the refined elegance of a traditional Japanese restaurant and the relaxed comfort of home. It is a secluded hideaway for adults, naturally inviting frequent visits in everyday life.
Based in the ancient city of Nara, Japan. He is a licensed architect and founder of architectural design firm ARCHIF, established in 2017. Alongside his architectural practice, he also serves as Director and Spatial Designer at Nottuo Inc, a design studio based in Nishiawakura Village, Okayama.
Focused on traditional Japanese materials and regional characteristics, his architecture is shaped by a careful understanding of light and shadow and the intrinsic qualities of materials to create architectural spaces with a distinct atmospheric character. His work has been highly regarded across a wide range of projects throughout Japan, not only private residences and vacation homes but also Michelin-starred restaurants and accommodation. His approach is rooted in creating architecture that inspires attachment and a motivate to preserve it over time.
One of his representative works, Naoshima Ryokan ROKA (completed in 2022), reconstructs the landscapes of satoyama, creating a space in harmony with art. The project has received numerous international design awards, including the “GOOD DESIGN AWARD 2022,” the Bronze Award at the “DFA Design for Asia Awards 2022,” and the “iF DESIGN AWARD 2023.” It has also earned Michelin Keys for two consecutive years, attracted significant attention both in Japan and internationally.