Transformative Dining: Henshin's Innovative Food and Beverage Branding

MARS DESIGN CONSULTANTS Unveils Henshin: A Japanese Restaurant That Morphs Into a Night Club

Located in a five-star hotel in Jakarta, Henshin offers a contemporary dining experience with an edge. The design and naming revolve around the concept of change or transformation, a theme prevalent in Japanese comic books and TV shows. The restaurant's mascot, a black dancing octopus, is a recurring character that leaves a lasting impression. This mascot symbolizes the restaurant's transformative nature, offering high-end luxury and a glimpse into Japan's hidden nightlife culture.

The design process began with numerous sketches of tentacle layouts and the letter "H". The final symbol was refined in Illustrator to achieve crisp, clean lines, and the spray patterns on the letter "H" were later modified in Photoshop. This design language was carried over to various applications, such as coasters, wine packaging, and menus. The design also influenced the interior space, with a set of sea creature patterns etched onto the entrance corridor of the restaurant.

Every detail of Henshin has been carefully considered to create an extraordinary dining experience. From the choice of paper and various printing effects on the menu to the sensory elements of sound, smell, visuals, and lighting, every aspect contributes to the overall experience. The design team, Angela Lu Zhang and Nico Xu YiFei, have truly transformed the dining experience at Henshin.

The project, which started in 2017, was inspired by visits to modern and traditional Japanese restaurants in Tokyo and Singapore. The team immersed themselves in Japanese culture and cuisine, studying dining habits and rituals to create a truly authentic experience. Despite some initial challenges, the project was a joyful and educational experience, resulting in a refined and detailed logo that perfectly encapsulates the transformative nature of Henshin.

Henshin's innovative design has not gone unnoticed. In 2019, it was awarded Silver in A' Graphics, Illustration and Visual Communication Design Award, a prestigious accolade that recognizes top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs. This award is a testament to the outstanding expertise and innovation that went into creating Henshin.

Experience the transformative power of Henshin, a restaurant that seamlessly blends traditional Japanese cuisine with the vibrant energy of a night club. It's not just a meal, it's an experience.