PHTAA living design's neon-lit restaurant evokes japanese anime culture

thai design studio PHTAA living design has uncovered the tokyo hustler restaurant in bangkok, blending in japanese traditional culture and industrial revolution into one ambiant setting. influenced by japanese science fiction anime movie akira, the open scene at the underground bar is the key plot to designing this interior space. in the end, tokyo hustler depicts the future world (2019) as described in the anime — even though it has been written in 1988.

ceiling at dining area reflect the lighting from neon fonts, which creates a new dining experience

for this project, PHTAA living design has translated different anime features and styles into a physical neo-tokyo design. for example, the neon signages on shophouses along the small road in the anime are transformed into changeable neon light colors at the center of the restaurant. indeed red, blue, purple and white light blend together into a night’s life atmosphere for visitors. proper dining tables are situated underneath those vibrant lights and are surrounded by modern graphical japanese paintings to create another level of  eating and drinking experience. 

sport bar and proper dining area are divided by the difference of heigh in the ceiling

in the age of industrial revolution, metal is taking over the world of design — hence, the studio has used it as a main material for the furniture. at the counter bar, metal sheets and steel tubes create a detailed industrial look. in parallel, a set of dining tables and benches are set by mixing warm wood and black marble. bar stools and chairs are selected from a local metal furniture shop. pool table, arcade game, darts and drinks form the social zone which is set at a double high-ceiling space.

illusion of space found at the bar’ smoking area

welcoming scene to ‘tokyo hustler’ restaurant

combination of neo tokyo style, japanese culture and industrial revolution age

the metal bar reflects a detailed industrial look 

the dining area is surrounded by traditional japanese graphics

arcade game at the corner of the sport bar’s area

reflection from the window shows the neo tokyo atmosphere

pool table, arcade game, darts and drinks at the social zone

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lea zeitoun | designboom