Mamezara Chaya: A Fusion of Tradition and Innovation

Mayumi Ehara's Award-Winning Design Melds with Historic Scenery

Located in the heart of Ishikawa Prefecture, Mamezara Chaya is a café that offers a variety of local delicacies. The café's design was inspired by the desire to connect guests with the rich traditions of Ishikawa. Guests can sample a variety of local sweets, fruit sushi, tea, and traditional crafts, all served on small, charming mamezara plates. This unique dining experience not only tantalizes the taste buds but also sparks an interest in Ishikawa's local traditions.

What sets Mamezara Chaya apart from other cafés is its thoughtful design. Ehara designed the café to blend seamlessly with the beautiful scenery of the surrounding historic buildings. The café features garden-view seats reminiscent of old Japanese houses, with tables that accommodate wheelchairs. Three areas of raised tatami-floored seats, gently separated with natural bamboo, are popular with both the elderly and visitors from abroad. Additionally, great view seats are placed slightly above other areas, allowing guests in any seat to enjoy the stunning views of the buildings and garden.

The café was realized using special materials filled with urethane foam in genuine bamboo, which were used as partitions between the guest seats to increase strength. This design choice not only enhances the café's aesthetic appeal but also ensures its durability and longevity. With a floor area of 91 sqm, the café can accommodate 43 guests, making it a cozy yet spacious venue.

Ehara's design process involved extensive research. She studied the transition of Japan's four seasons and incorporated curtains of the colors of each season to welcome customers. She also conducted research in Kyoto for the counter design to offer tea and researched local crafts and mamezara plates in Ishikawa prefecture. These efforts culminated in a design that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also deeply rooted in local culture and traditions.

The Mamezara Chaya project, which was completed in April 2017, is a testament to Ehara's ability to create designs that are both innovative and respectful of tradition. The café's design, which avoids excess and promotes relaxation, is a perfect blend of the old and the new. It is a space where guests can enjoy the beauty of Japanese culture while sampling the best that Ishikawa has to offer.