Revolutionizing Japanese Dining: Tajimaya Shabu Shabu

Chikara Sasaki and Aky N's Modern Take on Traditional Japanese Hot Pot

Chikara Sasaki and Aky N introduce a fresh perspective on traditional Japanese dining with their innovative design for Tajimaya Shabu Shabu, a Japanese hot pot restaurant located in Hong Kong's bustling apm mall. Inspired by the nostalgia of Yoshokuya, a style of Western-influenced cooking from the Meiji Restoration period in Japan, the design team has created a space that seamlessly blends the old with the new.

The project, which commenced in September 2016 and was completed in December of the same year, presented a unique challenge: to design an environment that would revolutionize the eating experience of Japanese food for the young and trendy clientele of the apm mall. The design team rose to the occasion, creating a space that is both contemporary and reminiscent of a late 19th-century European café, a characteristic feature of Yoshokuya.

One of the standout features of Tajimaya Shabu Shabu is its skeletal timber structured wall, which showcases greenery and original decoration objects of the brand. The upper part of the walls is adorned with handmade styled tiles, while natural oak has been used for the timber panelling, accented with a red colored line. The earthy tones and simple design style create an environment that is both comforting and exciting, offering a unique dining experience.

The restaurant, which spans a total useful floor area of around 121 square meters, including a kitchen area of around 24 square meters, and a ceiling height of 2.85 meters, is a testament to the design team's ability to maximize space while maintaining aesthetic appeal. The design team, comprising Chikara Sasaki, Aky N, and Angus, have managed to create a space that is both functional and visually stunning.

Their efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 2018, Tajimaya Shabu Shabu was awarded Silver in the A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award. The award is given to designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise and innovation, and are admired for their strong technical characteristics and splendid artistic skill.

In conclusion, Tajimaya Shabu Shabu is a shining example of how traditional dining experiences can be transformed through innovative design. Chikara Sasaki and Aky N have successfully managed to create a space that is both modern and nostalgic, offering a unique dining experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression on its patrons.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Chikara Sasaki
Image Credits: Image #1:Photographer Satoru Umetsu (Nacása & Partners), 2017. Image #2:Photographer Satoru Umetsu (Nacása & Partners), 2017. Image #3:Photographer Satoru Umetsu (Nacása & Partners), 2017. Image #4:Photographer Satoru Umetsu (Nacása & Partners), 2017. Image #5:Photographer Satoru Umetsu (Nacása & Partners), 2017.
Project Team Members: Chikara Sasaki Aky.N Angus
Project Name: Tajimaya Shabu Shabu
Project Client: Chikara Sasaki


Tajimaya Shabu Shabu IMG #2
Tajimaya Shabu Shabu IMG #3
Tajimaya Shabu Shabu IMG #4
Tajimaya Shabu Shabu IMG #5
Tajimaya Shabu Shabu IMG #5

Read More on Design Radiant