issen: A Sanctuary of Tradition and Taste in the Heart of Asakusa

Located in the serene streets of Oku-Asakusa in Tokyo's Taito ward, Issen, designed by Takasu Gaku Design and Associates, is a unique destination that transcends the typical tea and dessert shop. It offers an immersive journey into Japan's deep-rooted food and cultural traditions, providing a unique cultural experience. Spread across a 25-square-meter space, Issen profoundly reflects Japanese aesthetics and craftsmanship. Situated within walking distance of the bustling Asakusa Temple, Issen offers a tranquil escape for those seeking a more intentional and unhurried experience of Japanese culture, away from the tourist crowds.

The heart of Issen's philosophy lies in its tribute to the relationship between food and culture. Each dish is a curated celebration of Japan's diverse agricultural heritage. The shop's owner undertakes a personal pilgrimage across the country, visiting the fields and workshops of Japan's rural heartlands to select only the finest tea leaves and ingredients. This meticulous curation process, infused with a personal touch, brings a level of authenticity that elevates the dining experience, where every bite and sip is imbued with the stories of the artisans and farmers behind the produce.

The food served at Issen goes beyond mere sustenance—it is an invitation to appreciate the nuanced flavors and textures that have been shaped by Japan's diverse climates and terrains. The teas, sourced from small farms, are brewed with precision, their natural flavors enhanced by the care taken in both cultivation and preparation. The desserts, too, are a delicate interplay of seasonal ingredients, with an emphasis on freshness and balance. These dishes are not only visually appealing but are meant to engage the diner's senses fully, from the subtle fragrance of the tea to the delicate sweetness of the desserts, creating an exciting culinary experience.

The design of Issen reflects the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, where beauty is found in simplicity and imperfection. It is a masterclass in restraint and reverence for natural materials. The earthen floors provide a tactile connection to the earth, while the natural stone counters offer a sturdy, grounded surface that contrasts with the lightness of the washi-paper walls. These walls resemble traditional earth walls but are crafted with handmade washi paper, lending the space a subtle texture that invites touch and evokes the rich tactile history of Japanese craftsmanship. The shop feels like an organic extension of the land, where every material tells a story of the natural world from which it was derived.

In the spirit of the Japanese tea ceremony, Nissan encourages guests to take their time and fully enjoy the experience. The peaceful atmosphere, highlighted by a prominent, handcrafted washi light fixture, blurs the line between indoor and outdoor spaces. The fixture, featuring a cascading water pattern, surrounds the counter area and brings to mind the calmness of a flowing stream. This reference to the outdoor, no-date tea ceremony adds a modern touch to the space, where nature is always present, even within the confines of this cozy tearoom.

The design promotes a calm, almost meditative experience, where the owner's actions and service delivery contribute to the overall aesthetic. Each movement is deliberate and filled with purpose, reminiscent of the traditional Japanese tea ceremony's philosophy of ichigo ichie. This concept emphasizes the fleeting nature of each moment and the significance of cherishing the present.

In many ways, Issen is an extension of Japan's cultural landscape. It expresses a deep connection to nature, tradition, and craftsmanship. The space bridges the old and the new, seamlessly integrating contemporary design with centuries-old practices. Visitors at Issen are not simply dining; they participate in a ritual honouring Japan's profound cultural heritage. Eating and drinking tea reflects a broader, more interconnected world.

The experience at Issen is more than just culinary; it is cultural, sensory, and deeply personal. It offers an opportunity to disconnect from the frenetic pace of modern life and reconnect with the simplicity and beauty that has defined Japan for centuries. Through the careful selection of ingredients, the mindful design of the space, and the reverence for tradition, Issen stands as a testament to the enduring power of Japanese design and culinary artistry.

Designer Profile

For more information, please visit: https://gaku-design.com

*This project is one of the shortlisted project in the Sky Design Awards 2024 - Interior Design: Restaurants Division

A Modern Testament to Shizuoka’s Craftsmanship by Takasu Gaku Design and Associates

In the heart of Shizuoka Prefecture, a region known for its traditional wooden craftsmanship, the 'Di+Re' collection offers a bold and innovative take on tradition. Shizuoka is famous for producing fine wooden items like pepper mills and tableware. Now, young craftsmen and interior designers, under the visionary leadership of Takasu Gaku Design and Associates, come together to push the boundaries of their craft in this fertile creative ground.

Di+Re products are based on the theme of "Disassembly and Reconstruction." They explore the combination of form and function through traditional woodworking techniques that are deconstructed and reassembled into modern designs. This process is symbolic; it involves meticulously crafting each piece by hand, intentionally incorporating deviations such as tilts, rotations, and inversions into the assembly. The result is a series of products that elegantly merge geometric precision with the warmth of handcrafted wooden forms, embodying the fusion of modern and traditional aesthetics.

The essence of Di+Re is its versatility and adaptability. The collection's signature piece is a wooden grinder designed to transcend its original purpose. Instead of being limited to a single function, this grinder is envisioned as an iconic object that seamlessly integrates into various settings – a stool, a side table, or a display stand. This multifunctional design philosophy empowers users to interpret and use the product to suit their style and needs, inspiring creativity and personalization.

One of the standout pieces in the Di+Re collection is the Nu Stool. It is a masterful creation made from a cylindrical shape turned on a lathe. Two identical triangles are carved from this cylinder and reconnected in an inverted position, creating a stool that challenges traditional design norms. Its bold shape, with minimal connection points on its curved surfaces, makes it a striking addition to any space. It can be used as a functional seat, a side table, or an objet d'art.

The Quad Stool is equally compelling, crafted through division and inversion. First, a cylinder is turned on a lathe and then split into four vertical sections, each carefully inverted and reassembled. Despite its seemingly straightforward appearance, the stool's proportions are defined by intricate calculations, with every cut, angle, and line the product of meticulous planning and expert craftsmanship. This piece showcases the designer's attention to detail and offers a glimpse into the future of woodworking as traditional techniques are repurposed to create something entirely new.

The collection's innovation continues with Otto, a piece whose name—meaning "8" in Italian—hints at its design inspiration. At first glance, Otto appears as a simple cylindrical form, but upon closer inspection, lines inclined at an 8-degree angle are revealed, rhythmically suspended within the wood. These subtle inclinations transform the piece depending on the viewer's perspective, altering its silhouette and the expression of its wood grain. Otto serves as a refined yet distinctive accent in any space, showcasing the power of subtle design.

Created by Takasu Gaku Design and Associates, Di+Re products are more than functional items. They represent a conversation between the past and present, tradition and innovation. They encourage users to discover the potential of form and function, appreciate the craftsmanship behind each piece, and enjoy the beauty of versatile and timeless objects.

For more information, please visit: https://gaku-design.com

*This project is one of the shortlisted project in the Sky Design Awards 2024 - Product design