The restaurant's unique features include black and white patterned tiles, white metro tiles, and light bulb messages reminiscent of classic American diners. The design also incorporates industrial chic partitions and large mirror ball pendant lights, harking back to the 1970s. The result is a space that is distinctly different from traditional Japanese BBQ restaurant designs.
The restaurant spans approximately 340 square meters, including a 48 square meter kitchen, and features a 2.8m high ceiling. Despite the presence of beams and low ceiling areas, the design team managed to create a spacious and inviting dining area. The use of different colored chairs and green patterned tiles on the main hall floor add a touch of whimsy to the overall design.
One of the main challenges faced by the design team was to break away from the stereotypical image of Japanese restaurants located in foreign countries. The team's innovative approach resulted in a design that is simple and natural, yet distinctive and memorable. The restaurant's design was recognized with a Silver A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2017, a testament to its outstanding creativity and innovation.
298 Nikuya Kitchen is a testament to Chikara Sasaki & Aky.N's ability to fuse different design elements to create a unique dining experience. The restaurant's design is not just about aesthetics, but also about creating an atmosphere that enhances the dining experience. With its unique blend of American Diner aesthetics and Japanese dining culture, 298 Nikuya Kitchen is a standout in the world of restaurant design.
Project Designers: Chikara Sasaki
Image Credits: Image #1:Photographer Satoru Umetsu (Nacása & Partners), 2015. Image #2:Photographer Satoru Umetsu (Nacása & Partners), 2015. Image #3:Photographer Satoru Umetsu (Nacása & Partners), 2015. Image #4:Photographer Satoru Umetsu (Nacása & Partners), 2015. Image #5:Photographer Satoru Umetsu (Nacása & Partners), 2015.
Project Team Members: Chikara Sasaki
Aky.N
Project Name: 298 Nikuya Kitchen
Project Client: Chikara Sasaki