Sho: Blending Tradition and Innovation in Restaurant Design

A Modern Twist on Traditional Japanese Ryotei

The head restaurant Den in Tokyo, inspired by ryotei, a traditional Japanese style restaurant, has gained international acclaim for its innovative approach and sense of humor. Now, its Taiwan-based branch, Sho, carries on the elements that make Den unique, blending tradition and innovation in restaurant design.

Located in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Sho is a 220 square meter space that captures the essence of a traditional ryotei while infusing it with modern aesthetics. The design team, led by Hsin-Feng Lin, Chia-Yen Wei, and Wei-Lin Wu of Variety Enterprise Co., Ltd, carefully considered every detail to create a dining experience that is both visually stunning and functionally efficient.

Upon entering Sho, guests are greeted by a striking yakisugi ban, a traditional Japanese technique of charring wood. This seemingly rough exterior beautifully connects with metal hardware, creating a Japanese-garden-like entry in a modern architectural setting. The slate flooring, reminiscent of the Oya slates used in Den, guides guests through the space and up the stairs, where thin lattices on the sides blur the line between light and shadow.

The journey from the entry to the dining area is designed to evoke the ambiance of an indoor teien, a traditional Japanese garden. The carefully crafted bamboo ceiling adds a touch of warmth and elegance, reminiscent of a wooden cabinet. The Nordic-style seats, custom-made by craftsmen in Tainan, seamlessly blend different cultural influences, representing the exclusive spirit and the bravery to explore new territories.

One of the design challenges faced by the team was creating a functional working area that seamlessly integrated with the dining space. In traditional ryotei, the working station is usually small and multilevel, but in Sho, the station is opened up, allowing chefs to work smoothly without any hindrances. This design choice not only enhances efficiency but also aligns with the new multiplex trend in Japanese cuisine.

Sho's design is a testament to the team's meticulous research and attention to detail. The whitewash lime walls and niches embody simplicity, while the open and bright atmosphere creates a contrast that tells a different narrative. The result is a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, where guests can indulge in a culinary experience that is both authentic and innovative.

Sho's unique design has garnered recognition in the design community. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2021. This prestigious award celebrates designs that exhibit strong technical and creative skills, contributing to improvements in quality of life and making the world a better place.

Sho is a testament to the power of design to create memorable and immersive experiences. By blending tradition with innovation, Variety Enterprise Co., Ltd has created a space that pays homage to the past while embracing the future of restaurant design.