kengo kuma recreates traditional soy sauce warehouse in tokyo

kengo kuma recreates traditional soy sauce warehouse in tokyo
photo © sadao hotta
all images courtesy of kengo kuma and associates

kengo kuma has completed the interior renovation of the kayanoya shop in tokyo, a soy sauce manufacturer who has been in the industry for more than 120 years.

the design reproduces the company’s traditional warehouse in kyushu, southern japan, with wooden barrels used in the production process elevated to ceiling level, and trays used for making koji (malt rice) presenting the items for sale. throughout the project, the cedar wood used for the barrels and trays has been produced by craftspeople native to the kyushu region, highlighting the importance of community oriented design.

the design reproduces the company’s traditional warehouse in southern japan
photo © sadao hotta

wooden barrels used in the production process are elevated to ceiling level
photo © sadao hotta

an area of seating within the store
photo © sadao hotta

the cedar wood used throughout the design has been produced by local craftspeople
photo © sadao hotta

wooden trays used for making koji (malt rice) present the items for sale
photo © sadao hotta

industrial elements are used as furniture
photo © sadao hotta

the soy sauce manufacturer has been in the industry for more than 120 years
photo © sadao hotta

the entrance to the store in nihonbashi, tokyo
photo © sadao hotta

project info:

project name: kayanoya
location: tokyo, japan
type: retail interiors
completed: 2014
area: 133 sqm