Sushi Palace: A Culinary Arena Inspired by Sumo

Shiho Chu's Innovative Design Transforms Dining into a Sumo Match

Shiho Chu, the creative director behind the Sushi Palace, drew inspiration from 'Shyobu', a Japanese term meaning competition. Chu envisioned the dining bar as a 'Dohyo', a Sumo wrestling arena, symbolizing the daily competition chefs face in perfecting their culinary art. This innovative concept aims to resonate with diners, stirring their hearts as well as their taste buds.

The unique properties of the Sushi Palace design lie in its portrayal of the face-to-face confrontation between the sushi master and the gourmet, akin to a Sumo match. This design concept transforms the dining experience into a sacred culinary competition, where the chef's artistry is on full display.

The realization of this design concept required a careful representation of the Sumo 'Dohyo' within the sushi bar. The sacredness of the Sumo combat was brought forward to the bar counter, creating a captivating scene for every customer. The Sushi Palace, spanning 662 square meters, stands as the flagship store of the restaurant.

Shiho Chu and her design team, including Tomo Chen and Yoshiko Li, embarked on this project in October 2017 in Taichung, Taiwan, and brought it to fruition in March 2018. The team conducted extensive research into the wood-framed buildings of the Edo period and the construction methods of Tsuri Yane (the hanging roof), which became integral to the design.

The Sushi Palace design has been recognized for its innovation and excellence, winning the Silver A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2019. This prestigious accolade is awarded to designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise, creativity, and innovation, and that evoke positive feelings, amazement, and wonder.

In conclusion, Shiho Chu's Sushi Palace is a testament to the power of innovative design in transforming everyday experiences. By integrating elements of traditional Japanese Sumo wrestling into the dining experience, Chu has created a unique culinary arena that delights the senses and pays tribute to Japanese culture.