Marq Omotesando One: Redefining Ultra-Luxury Living in Tokyo

We are thrilled to introduce Marq Omotesando One, an extraordinary residential development that has not only captivated the discerning eyes of investors but has also is the winning project in the Sky Design Awards 2023 gold in the architecture division.

Middle: David Hoggard, Managing Director Hong Kong Studio Partner London Studio

Right: Sky Design Awards 2023 Judges: Founding partner of Voith & Mactavish Architects LLP, President of the ICAA Philadelphia Chapter, the Board of the Design Leadership Foundation. (FAIA, LEED AP BD+C, IIDA)

The Pinnacle of Luxury Living Nestled in the heart of Tokyo's fashionable Omotesando district, often referred to as the "Champs-Élysées of Tokyo," Marq Omotesando One stands as a testament to unparalleled sophistication. Developed by the Baring Private Equity Asia, this low-rise gem comprises only 14 residences, including the pièce de résistance – a sprawling penthouse occupying the entire top floor and rooftop, showcasing over 600 square meters of opulent living space.

A Residence Beyond Compare This award-winning development boasts timber-decked balconies, floating terraces, and floor-to-ceiling glazing that seamlessly integrate with the surrounding greenery, providing an exquisite blend of nature and contemporary design. The penthouse, the epitome of luxury, features four expansive terraces, a private rooftop swimming pool, and interiors that prioritize both style and comfort.

Tokyo: A Hub for International Investors Traditionally overlooked by high-net-worth foreign investors, Tokyo has now emerged as a global real estate hotspot. Savvy investors are drawn to the cosmopolitan lifestyle, favorable currency exchange rates, and the rise of ultra-chic developments designed to cater to the needs of international high-net-worth individuals.

Unrivaled Comfort and Amenities No expense has been spared in crafting the penthouse, which boasts the finest finishes and amenities, including a Gaggenau refrigerator/freezer room, double Miele ovens, and a private lift for discreet access. Residents enjoy a 24/7 concierge service, porters, valets, and a back-of-house team, ensuring a superior residential experience akin to exclusive five-star hospitality.

Omotesando: The Epitome of Elegance Situated in the exclusive district of Omotesando, Marq Omotesando One offers proximity to high-end international brands, Michelin-starred restaurants, and the vibrant culture of Harajuku. The surrounding area reflects elements of tranquility inspired by the nearby Meiji Jingu Shrine and Yoyogi Park, creating a harmonious blend of urban luxury and natural serenity.

Tokyo's Rise in Luxury Real Estate Recent reports indicate a surge in demand for downtown residential units, with Bloomberg highlighting the increasing interest of the super-rich in Tokyo's ultra-luxury homes. Factors such as sweeping views, swimming pools, and 24-hour valet services have contributed to the city's appeal, coupled with a weaker yen and low interest rates.

Invest in Elegance, Invest in Marq Omotesando One As Tokyo continues to captivate the global elite, Marq Omotesando One stands as a beacon of luxury, offering an unrivaled living experience in one of the world's most dynamic cities. Embrace the epitome of sophistication and make Marq Omotesando One your distinguished residence in Tokyo.

For more information:

For design, please visit: https://studiopdp.com

The Quiddity of Life, R100 tokyo, Japan

The Better Life Index shows Japan performs well in a number of well-being dimensions compared with other countries. In terms of education, safety, and environmental quality, Japan performs better than the average. R100 Tokyo has unveiled a brand-new level of luxury and quality of life. The next phase of Japanese art of living is described by a new term called QOL (Quiddity of Life).

Japan's aesthetic qualities transcend philosophical ideas about art and beauty. A cultural worldview is formed by them. In today's world, we are seeking the art of living.

R100 Tokyo is a Japanese brand whose mission is to cultivate design rooted in Japanese aesthetics with a global perspective. Creating meaningful values and innovating for a new era will be the result. This combines their vision of aesthetics, design, and sustainability. So what is the meaning of "QOL"? QOL is the most recent definition of the quiddity of life, from which most of us know the quality of life but, on top, having more layers and value. In order to meet such social challenges as sustainability, regeneration, and carbon emission reduction, the R100 Tokyo embraced and implemented a higher quality of life approach. They are trying to do that by incorporating knowledge required for the next era, including art, design, business, finance, technology, and sciences.

During a period of high economic development, complex living rapidly spread throughout the country. Individuality has progressed into "quantity" in lifestyle. Humanity today prioritizes a lifestyle called "Quality of life".

What does quality of life mean to you? Since each lifestyle is different, we cannot guarantee a definite answer. However, creating a sophisticated living space to provide a quality of life is where we can begin. A first step in cultivating and experiencing Japanese culture is to observe the environment and place in which we live. Most assets are valued based on their location.

1. CREATIVITY

Our home is more than just a place to live. This is a place to show what we dream of, and also to demonstrate our unique personality traits. Craftsmanship and products you can use at home can be found easily in Japan. In addition to just being a decoration, this is a way of appreciating luxury in life. Creativity or design is often incorporated into the place you live, and here are some ways to get more inspiration about creativity for your home from concierge services.

2. CROSS-CULTURE

A cross-cultural approach is one of the investments in the realm of design, as well as in living, that will give your apartment a new sense of value. One of the most valuable decisions you will make is to hire a designer for your apartment. This will give you not only a superior quality of living but also a tangible sense of ownership.

Whether you want to buy a second home for yourself or for your children or an apartment for them to stay in when they visit Japan's capital for studies or travel, all nationalities have unique cultures that influence their lifestyles. Though all wishes may differ, almost all clients have a limited amount of time due to their hectic international schedules. To make the most of their customers' limited time, R100 Tokyo finds out as soon as possible what their clients' needs and lifestyles are.

3. LUXURY

In today's world, luxury is more than just something expensive or a brand; it is also a sense of appreciation, the value of craftsmanship, the value of furniture, and the sense of living in luxury. Taking into account the neighborhood community, your home's design lifestyle, and concierge services that may streamline the process of building or managing your apartment or group are all significant aspects to consider.

4. QUALITY

When it comes to quality, it is rare to find condominiums larger than 100m2 in prime locations. As with an apartment in Japan, beside the design, the first thing to consider is the quality. Japan is an area prone to earthquakes. It is therefore important that we pay attention to the quality of the buildings there. Thus, prominent architects have designed and constructed buildings in prime locations at some points in history, which is a quality assurance for your home or investment. In Japan, aesthetic design is regarded as one of the most precious and valuable assets. The finest materials should be used in the design of your apartment if you are serious about investing in it.

5. REGENERATION

There is a significant cushioning effect provided by regeneration initiatives, but when it comes to holding properties in a portfolio, they have a limited effect.   Toward a New Growth Era in our society, conservation is one of the value to keep our society reiterate.

Regeneration of urban areas contributes to sustainable development by 'recycling' land and buildings, reducing demolition waste, urbanizing peripheral areas, and facilitating intensification and compactness. As we mature, choosing the right apartment that fits our needs can benefit our society and help us to respond to our social responsibilities.

Interview with OEO STUDIO at OPUS ARISUGAWA

M: Merci Magazine, Peggy Lui O: OEO STUDIO Thomas Lykke

M:  Would you be able to tell us more about your collaboration with R100 tokyo?

O: Opus Arisugawa residence 302 is the first project we have done for R100 tokyo. It has been both a very challenging project as well as rewarding.  Challenging in the sense that we could not travel to Japan and oversee the project like we always do to pay attention to all details small as big.

We were completely depending on R100 tokyo and for R100 tokyo to be our eyes. It was a great collaboration and the residence 302 speaks for it self. it is even better in real  life then on pictures.  Hinsides I think both R100 and OEO Studio has learned a lot from the project.

M:  Your relationship with Japan is different for each of you. How would you describe it?

O: Yes I guess we share the same appreciation and fascination for the culture andcountry. I guess we can say that my obsession with Japan started as a young teenager and has followed me ever since. I always felt a deeper connection to Japan.  There is so much to learn from the culture and history.

M: Is it possible for you to share with us your design idea for Opus Arisugawa's newly renovated apartment at R100 tokyo?

O: Our design intent was to create a Japanese home infused with Scandinavian lifestyle and design. In many ways it feels very Japanese yet it also feels refreshing, modern with a twist of a Nordic flavour. It is warm and welcoming and designed for people to live there and to use it. Its a place for contemplation, relaxation, twosomeness as well as socialising with friends and family. Its a perfect retreat from the bustling, lively and busy Tokyo.

M:  Would you be able to tell us more about your collaboration with R100 tokyo?

O: Opus Arisugawa residence 302 is the first project we have done for R100 tokyo. It has been both a very challenging project as well as rewarding.  Challenging in the sense that we could not travel to Japan and oversee the project like we always do to pay attention to all details small as big. We were completely depending on R100 tokyo and for R100 tokyo to be our eyes. It was a great collaboration and the residence 302 speaks for it self. it is even better in real  life then on pictures.  Hinsides I think both R100 and OEO Studio has learned a lot from the project.

M:  Your relationship with Japan is different for each of you. How would you describe it?

O: Yes I guess we share the same appreciation and fascination for the culture and country. I guess we can say that my obsession with Japan started as a young teenager and has followed me ever since. I always felt a deeper connection to Japan.  There is so much to learn from the culture and history.

M: Is it possible for you to share with us your design idea for Opus Arisugawa's newly renovated apartment at R100 tokyo?

O: Our design intent was to create a Japanese home infused with Scandinavian lifestyle and design. In many ways it feels very Japanese yet it also feels refreshing, modern with a twist of a Nordic flavour. It is warm and welcoming and designed for people to live there and to use it.

Its a place for contemplation, relaxation, twosomes as well as socialising with friends and family. Its a perfect retreat from the bustling, lively and busy Tokyo.

M: What message do you wish to convey to Opus Arisugawa's apartment?

O: Residence 302 is a tribute to materiality and to detail we want  to communicate the  importance of beauty, natural materials,  quality and perfection.

M:  Can you share with us about your lifestyles?

O: Relaxed, unpretentious, human

M: Given the diverse cultural aspects, how do you see this design project  changing our lifestyle in the near future?

O: Changing is a big word - hopefully the project can bring attention to the  value beauty, rituals, crafts, materials and detail all composed in a way  to support people in a relaxed and modern setting.

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The rooted in Japanese aesthetics with a global perspective

Mr. Takashi Urakawa

R100 tokyo Business Manger

INTERVIEW

M: Merci Magazine, Peggy Lui  |   R+: R100 tokyo Takashi Urakawa

M: How do you yourself define the quiddity of life?

R+: I believe that it is important to live a life of self- fulfillment that values “essence” more than quality. It’s not about always longing for what you don’t have, but about living with a deep understanding, respect, and joy for what is around you. For example, I think it means understanding and caring for what kind of intentions and processes were used to create a product, feeling proud of passing on something that has been handed down in an authentic and honest way, and I believe that it means to feel the essential value of things and experiences while living in the moment.

In other words, it is a way of life that values not just material or quantitative satisfaction, but a way of feeling and weaving meaningful time, and enjoying it while feeling an inner sense of fulfillment. As we live in a diverse society, we have to be flexible and adapt to new rules.

On the other hand, you may be feeling doubt, frustration, and anxiety about the sense of accelerating, faster, higher, and more. It is in these times that we need to discern “what changes and what stays the same” and what is important. I feel that enjoying and living on one’s own time axis leads to an essential way of life. In other words, expressing oneself in one’s own way of life, which I consider to be a quality and essential way of life.

M: How does R100 tokyo strive to provide or improve the quality of life of people purchasing your properties?

R+: Our residences have been carefully selected from the perspective of R100 tokyo, then we revitalize the property with thoughtful design to enhance the value. Our properties are located in some of the most desirable central Tokyo neighborhoods, which are backed by history, and we create homes of high quality and spacious proportions. The city of Tokyo is rich in culture and offers a variety of properties to suit all tastes. The updated renovated spaces are not only economically rational and comfortable to live in, but they are also intrinsically rich spaces that have been carefully created one by one. We believe that the following elements of a home are necessary for a rich life.

• Rather than selecting extravagant materials we chose materials that will develop character over time.

• They are spacious enough to accommodate changes in lifestyle and allow for a variety of uses.

• Designs that residents will grow to love as they go about their daily life.

• We are earnestly pursuing a space where people can live comfortably for many years.

We are not only providing housing, but also services that will enrich people’s lives after they start living there. In our consulting service for clients searching for a home, we provide real estate information with high asset value, and our R100 tokyo consultants support clients in selecting a partner to create a space based on their ideal lifestyle. R100 tokyo is not just about building homes, it incorporates the know-how and experience that we have gained through our experience in hotels, offices, commercial facilities.

Secondly, we are going to start providing services that will enhance the richness of people’s lives. We will start with the field of art, but we, at R100 tokyo, would like to offer services that go beyond simply introducing and making arrangements, and we intend to provide a richer experience for our clients than ever before.

M: How do you differentiate the essential value or uniqueness of R100 tokyo?

R+: R100 tokyo is not only about providing comfortable and well-designed residences in Tokyo, but also about proposing an essential way of living that goes beyond that. We are committed to providing our customers with proposals that will enrich their daily lives even after they move into their residences.

It is also our hope that the number of people who share this essential way of life will grow, and with the expansion of this circle, the value of "living in Tokyo" will increase even further.

M: What kind of community does R100 tokyo offer to its residents? Please describe online and offline communities?

R+: At R100 tokyo, we would like to offer an essential way of living through various experiences. We aim to facilitate interactive communication with people who share this essential way of living.

Our goal at R100 tokyo is to provide our customers with a variety of experiences that will enrich their lives. Moreover, we would like to be able to communicate through interactive means with people who live by this essential way of life. For this purpose, we launched "Curiosity," an online magazine that provides new discoveries, hints for enriched living, and articles that stimulate curiosity and inspire action. As a result of this media, R100 tokyo will be shared by a wide range of people. By becoming a member of R100 tokyo THE CLUB, we will propose essential ways of living to our members. R100 tokyo Salon is a place where you can experience R100 tokyo not only in media, but also in real life. We offer an assortment of events covering art and culture. As part of our mission, we would like to provide a place for our members to not only learn, but also to connect and communicate with one another.

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“ReBITA is Japan’s leading refurbishment company.
They increased their value because they contributed to a better quality of life than conventional construction. In an environment that is constantly changing, including technological innovations and environmental concerns, lifestyles must have timeless value. People living lives with universal charm can appreciate the value of their own senses and experiences.”

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The R100 tokyo consulting team carefully selects properties with solid asset values, such as "over 100 square meters," "mansions with lush greenery," and "high-quality management systems."With a unique space design and plan, their exclusive consultants introduce products and services tailored to each individual client. In addition, the services are divided into three categories:

1. research - Property Search

Based on area, region, and budget. Offering properties for apartment designed by R100 tokyo and those that are publicly available. A selection of carefully selected condominium information will be presented to you by R100 tokyo.

2. renovation

R100 tokyo will develop a renovation plan based on the needs of each customer. A renovation plan tailored to your needs will be proposed.

You can experience the Interior, space and philosophy of R100 Tokyo by visiting their salon first.

3. resales

In addtion to providing unique sales strategies for R100 tokyo's approximately 6,000 members, R100 tokyo specializes in the sale of mid to low-rise condominiums in central Tokyo

To discovery more information about R100 tokyo

https://r100tokyo.com/curiosity/r100tokyo/

The inaugural edition of FIND - Design Fair Asia (Furniture, Interiors and Design)

The inaugural edition of FIND - Design Fair Asia (Furniture, Interiors and Design) will be held at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore during Singapore Design Week from 22nd to 24th September 2022. Singapore’s definitive and iconic design event, organised by dmg events in collaboration with Fiera Milano, host of Salone del Mobile. Milano, aims to bring together physical and virtual visitors and 500 of the leading brands in the industry for one action-packed, inspirational weekend.

“We are all very excited by this global opportunity. FIND fills a real gap in the market for a curated design global centerpiece that will service the fast growing and evolving needs of customers in Asia. Singapore offers us the perfect regional hub from which we can connect the West to the East and help catalyse growth and creative collaboration. FIND has already secured strong global partnerships which pave the way for a really exciting launch in September 2022,” says Mel Shah, Vice President, dmg events.

Singapore was chosen as it is a veritable design hub in Asia with over 10,000 furniture, interiors and design brands based here. Its access to the Asian market, and especially the ASEAN free trade zone, present an opportunity to reach 4.4 billion customers with an insatiable appetite for luxury and design. It is Asia’s top business destination known for its extensive international connectivity and ease of doing business. Singapore, as a regional financial hub, is also home to consumers with a taste for upscale home furnishings and décor, offering strong opportunities for the domestic interiors market.

FIND – Design Fair Asia will host the largest carefully selected collection of interior brands, agencies, country pavilions, designers, galleries and content from across the globe. Businesses and visitors will have direct access to leading architects, interior designers, project developers and specifiers driving Asia’s design future, as well as the event’s line up of esteemed speakers and industry key opinion leaders.

Created in close partnership with DesignSingapore Council and Singapore Tourism Board, the parties will collaborate on industry knowledge and innovation exchange, as well as boost its status as a UNESCO Creative City of Design, growing FIND into Asia’s leading tradeshow for the furniture, interior, and design sectors. The annual event will bring significant value to Singapore’s positioning as a global hub for design, design talent and business events.

For more information, please visit: https://www.designfairasia.com/

Website: https://www.designfairasia.com/

IG: @finddesignfairasia
FB: @finddesignfairasia
LinkedIn: FIND – Design Fair Asia

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ABOUT FIND – DESIGN FAIR ASIA

In partnership together with Fiera Milano, dmg events will bring together the largest carefully selected collection of interior brands, key opinion leaders, designers and content from across the globe at the inaugural FIND – Design Fair Asia. The fair is to be held at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore from 22nd to 24th September 2022. Occupying 10,000 square metres, it is expected to draw more than 500 international exhibiting brands as well as physical and virtual attendees. Visitors, including architects, interior designers, retailers, agents and design savvy consumers from across Asia, are invited to draw inspiration, network and trade at this new 3-day event located in Singapore. It will be a premium, thoughtfully-produced event, offering trend setting design and a glimpse into the future. Exhibiting brands will be able to leverage this global coverage fully to ensure leadership positioning and visibility.

Tiangang Art Center - The Key to Rural Revitalization

The project, located over 100 kilometres from Beijing and more than 200 kilometres away from Shijiazhuang, lies at the foot of Taihang Mountain and adjacent to Yishui Lake. The village in Yi County of Baoding City, Hebei Province, has undergone tremendous change during the past two years: 142 square kilometres of land in the area has been allocated for use as a kind of playground for architectural experimentation.

Many new creative projects have been initiated, grown, and taken root in the countryside, forming the basis for an innovative eco-village that integrates current trends in art and culture with the simplicity of traditional country life. It is not far from the city and encourages an active and engaged way of living. Tiangang Village, a circular-shaped art museum, is the leading example of the changes which are taking place in the area.

"One Stroke"  

The original semi-circular concrete frame structure sits amongst the mountains and rivers in the area, facing Tiangang Village. The initial disorderly condition of the site and fractured system evoked a village in a predicament of forced stagnation. In response, SYN Architects subsequently demolished part of the original building and then "continued" it: a slender orthogonal volume curves and spirals up along the inner arc of a semicircle, gradually completing the shape, creating a variegated relationship between seeing and being seen; a continuous, unbounded, circular architecture of balanced proportions. 

The building can be seen as a metaphor for the oriental philosophy of nature, where heaven, earth, mountains, water, and people are all harmoniously integrated. It forms an extension to the landscape, furthers the existing cultural context, and is additionally associated with art, which links the area's industry to the city and warm associations of the countryside.

Landscape Integration 

SYN Architects believes that “architecture is a means to shape the landscape, and landscape is a continuation of architecture.” Hence, this building that carries out the function of holding exhibitions can itself be seen as a work of “land art.” The main body of the building is coated with white granular paint to maintain a purity of colour - and with its pure geometric form and absence of linear directionality, it becomes a kind of enormous sunlight-catching object. Furthermore, the building’s sculptural presence is combined with nearby rice fields and villages, establishing a solid visceral connection between the building and the natural environment, enabling it to leverage its surroundings to amplify the aesthetic tension between the two entities.

The resultant architecture is the product of SYN Architects’ core problem-solving approach: the half arc of the original building faces the river’s shore and distant mountains, so 14 guest rooms are set within it, opening up to the private and tranquil scenery. The side facing the village and the main road is the primary interface between the building and the site, so public spaces such as reception and catering have been set parallel to the road, while a sizeable circular exhibition hall is placed in the middle of the volume.

Revealing the "Essence"

As visitors arrive at the Art Center at ground level and follow the path of the curve, their experience of the space is constantly changing: first passing beneath the large cantilevered canopy at the entrance of the building, bypassing the columns, then reaching the starting point of the "vortex." This is the first surprise of the space; as the ramp climbs, the building maintains a spatial ambiguity between inside and outside, restricting specific perspectives of the surrounding landscape and focusing attention towards multiple shifting views of the exhibits.

The second surprise becomes apparent after reaching the top of the ramp, as visitors come upon an open-air viewing platform at the highest point of the building, from which they may observe the scenery surrounding Tiangang Village – both its traditional face and new developments. 

This experience, where an instantaneous realization is made following an accumulated passage through many levels, is analogous to the "epiphany" spoken of in Buddhism. SYN Architects has attempted to take the vague and disorganized form of the initial project here and transformed Tiangang Village into a meaningful, structured, and effective place of "knowledge and action." This "reorganization of perception" also encompasses reshaping the "soil" of discovery and insight.

Taking the concrete structure of the original building as a base to be extended and augmented, SYN Architects has added a new steel structure, allowing the main façade to gradually twist and tilt outwards and upwards, transforming from walls to eaves. The original building's network of columns cannot support the new architecture's load requirements, so additional columns and a new structural system have been introduced. 

SYN Architects has taken this necessity of engineering and given the new organization of columns an aesthetic quality - while satisfying the requirements of bearing the new load, the pillars appear to be scattered within the space somewhat randomly, like a naturally growing jungle, which ultimately has become virtually the only 'decoration' within the entire building.

Project Information

Project Name: Tiangang Art Center

Location: Tiangang Village, Yi County, Baoding City, Hebei Province, China

Owner: IVYONE GROUP

Investor: IVYONE GROUP

Project Type: architectural design, landscape design, interior design

Design Period: 2020.02-2020.08

Construction Period: 2020.09-2021.04

Site Area: 2736.81 square meters

Building Area: 2586.95 square meters

Indoor Area: 2586.95 square meters

Floor Area Ratio: 0.95

Greening Rate: 23%

Project Function: Art gallery + Hotel

Project Team Members

Lead Architect: Zou Yingxi

Project Architects: Gao Bo, Jin Nan, Jiang Zhihua, Chen Shifang, Tian Yahong, Wang Ziqiang

Interior Design Team: Xia Fuqiang, He Min, Cao Zhenzhen, Qian Guoxing, Liu Tingting, Li Qianxi, Feng Yan, Guo Mengjia, Li Hui

Landscape Architecture Team: Xu Lu, Li Beibei, Zhang Junchao, Liu Shuang, Liang Jingqi, Shi Qingqing

Soft Decoration Design Team: Shu Kun, Gu Yuecheng

Construction: HCCI Urban Architectural Planning and Design Co., Ltd.

Structural Consultant: Beijing Zhonghe Jiancheng Architectural Engineering Design Co., Ltd.-Team Lu Lijie

Lighting Consultant: Eastco Lighting Design (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.

Cost: 20 Million RMB

Material and Manufacturers

Bamboo and Wood—Shanghai Moso New Decorative Materials Co., Ltd.

U-Shaped Glass—Shahe Longlong Glass Products Co., Ltd.

White Granular Elastic Paint—Guangdong DPV Coating Co., Ltd.

Photography: Zheng Yan

Video: Huasheng Studio

A story of living in “Craft Comfort” in Tokyo, Japan

Text by Miki Numata | Translation by Suzi Yamaguchi | Photographs by Teruaki Kawakami, Takuya Furusue

Recipe & Styling by Saiko Hashimoto | Courtesy by R100 Tokyo

The Comforts of home

Each house holds a story of its inhabitants; a real life scene with an underwritten script. The following is from a series of short stories that depict scenes from the enriched lifestyles of the residents of R100 TOKYO. In this installment, we would like to give you a peek at the story of our home; the inhabitants are my wife, who is an aromatherapist, and me, an owner of an IT company, along with our treasured Japanese folk art and old household items lovingly exhibited. This first scene is a weekend afternoon where we have the pleasure of entertaining guests. We are surrounded by my wife’s delicious vegan cuisine and enjoying the serenity of the moment. A clock ticks softly in the background while a large MINO, a traditional Japanese straw garment hanging ornamentally in the living room appears to be watching over the gathering.   

Hanging on the wall is an Aomori‭ "‬Date Gera‭", ‬a mino garment‭. ‬It is said that they competed for the most beautiful pattern around the neck‭.‬

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Balance Living: Boosting Happiness and Creativity

Weekend lunch with a friend and his wife

My wife, inspired, suddenly suggests, “shall we invite someone to have lunch with us on Sunday?”  I had not cleaned the house since the traditional end of the year cleaning (in Japan), so I thought it would be a good idea to do so, and at the same time, I could also organize my study, killing two birds with one stone.

My wife has recently started to learn how to cook vegan cuisine. Her hobbies have apparently expanded from aromatherapy, her main business, to include dyeing and weaving with plant dyes, cooking with natural ingredients, and making sweets.

In the past year I have been working from home more and more, so we have been spending more time together than ever before. Perhaps my wife is getting a bit fed up with this, but I am grateful for the change of pace, and it has a positive (and delicious) effect on me!

“I have to start with a welcome fragrance", she excitedly announces, taking over the bedroom in the morning to do what is in my opinion a chemical experiment. It is her theory that the first thing to welcome a guest is the fragrance.

“There, it's done!  Bergamot, mint and lemongrass for early summer,” she notes. “Wow, that's refreshing. And it also seems delicious,” I chime in, swept up in her enthusiasm. “Yes, that's important!” she calls back pleased with herself.

The vegetables we order weekly from the farmer have arrived and they are clearly freshly harvested and fragrant. It was a pleasant surprise for me to be able to really feel the seasons just by the contents of this regularly delivered box, as prior to this time, I was mainly facing a computer in an office in the middle of the city.

“Excellent vegetables! Now I'm feeling inspired, so let's get cooking,” chirps my wife.

The aroma coming from the kitchen smells wonderful. Vegetables, herbs, spices and aromas combine to make me feel like I'm in a foreign country.

Surrender your heart to the pleasure of  working with your hands. 

“I'm going to get some tidying up done. If you need someone to taste test, don't hesitate to call me,” I tease before tending the cleaning.  Surrender your heart to the pleasure of working with your hands. 

I was born into a family of multi-generational farmers. Our lifestyle was for the most part easygoing, but after moving to Tokyo for university I became an IT enthusiast and decided to become a programmer. Now, the company I set up with my friends is doing well and has a good number of employees, so I am busy. I am not dissatisfied with this life, and it is fulfilling, but in this digital world that is constantly evolving and moving, I sometimes find myself missing the lifestyle left behind. 

It was at this time that I first opened my eyes to handicrafts. Handicrafts made by concentrating on the sensations of the hands, craftsmanship learned naturally by heart, folk art and daily utensils handed down from generation to generation. When I interact with such things, I can feel the presence of people, I feel calm and relaxed. The power of the human hand, the warmth of the hand, has a power that cannot be measured by numbers. 

“Would you like a taste of my beans?” my wife calls. “I'd love to!” I exclaim. “I like them a little on the soft side, don't you?” She queries.  “They are boiled just right. I like them simple. In fact, I could drink to that,” I chide.  “That's all you think about. It's only noon!” She teases back easily. 

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Symmetry

Making Time to Eat Right! Nourish your living and soul nutrition. 

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There was another reason for inviting our guest today. I wanted to show a friend of mine who works with antiques, this clock that I recently acquired. This clock, called "Yatagarasu", has a timeless story. The Nixie tube, once used all over the world, died out in the 1990s. The oldest digital display in history has been revived and beautifully restored by Yatagarasu! It’s a work of art created by craftsmanship and technology. As someone who works with digital technology, I was shaken when I heard this story.

“How is that clock you’re so proud of doing?” My wife calls out. “It’s perfect, Displaying the time perfectly in a beautiful orange hue.” I proudly call back.” 

"Well then it's almost lunchtime. Will you set the table? She requests, eager to deliver a glorious meal.  “Yes, ma'am!” I say as I hop to the task. 

Today's menu is focused on colourful vegetables. We begin with ground fava bean soup, followed by spring cabbage (resembling a steak) and steamed carrots marinated in dill, sautéed mushrooms with wild rice and dried tomato sauce, orange lentils and brown rice with azuki beans. A platter of cobb salad with salted malt dressing and fried tofu croquettes and pinto beans round out the feast.  

“Is this all vegan? No meat, no fish?” Our guest inquires.  “Yes, it is. I'm a bit addicted these days. Please enjoy it.” I respond eager to tuck in. 

I've known my friend, who runs a small gallery selling antiques and folk art, for about five years. We met when I was drawn to the Mino garment that was on display in his shop when I dropped in, and that's when I bought it. His wife is a textile artist and also my wife's dyeing and weaving teacher.

As we enjoyed the meal my friend commented, "I'm glad to see that you've kept the Date Gera (Mino garment) on display. It looks much better than when it was in the shop. You collect a lot of things, don't you? From folk tools to art, it's like a gallery.”

“Oh, a compliment from a professional,” I must admit I felt pleased by the remark. “The clock under the Mino is a bit unusual, I hope you'll take time to have a look at it later.” 

It's nice to have a relaxed meal with friends who have similar tastes to your own. And I realize the importance of meeting people in person. These days we work remotely and have meetings over the screen. It's a wonderful evolution to be able to communicate in real time with people who are far away, but it's only when we meet face to face that we can truly interact.

Our guests were full of compliments after the meal.“We had so much food and it was really delicious. You are a very good cook. I would like to learn from you next time,” my friend’s wife graciously exclaimed. 

“Thank you for the delicious meal, I am so full. It was beyond my expectation for a restaurant,” my friend added. 

Beaming my wife replied, "Oh, thank you. It was worth the effort then. After dinner let’s have a cup of tea over there. It's not quite medicinal, but I have prepared a tea that will help your digestion after your meal.”

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The comfortable place to live in Harmony

The balance of living in a natural environment and the surrounding community

I spend most of my time at work and only sleep at home. There were days like that in the past. And while I believe that this is also an important experience, I now truly feel how important it is to have a comfortable home to live in. Whether you are working or living, the temperature and texture of the air created by a place will deeply affect you. When I experience the comfort of living surrounded by things that match my wavelength, I am convinced that this is where I belong, and I feel at ease.

For me, this is living with crafts and folk art that are made by human hands and that speak to me. I was a little intimidated by that front at first, but now I feel at home. It looks like it's really comfortable.

The gentle light of early summer warmly illuminated our room.

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