On Yasai: A Japanese Restaurant Inspired by Cherry Blossoms

Bringing the Beauty of Japan to Hong Kong

On Yasai, the Japanese Number 1 Shabu Shabu Specialist brand, has brought the beauty of Japan to Hong Kong with their latest restaurant design. Designed by Vincent Chi-Wai Chiang, the restaurant captures the essence of Japanese culture and creates a warm and inviting atmosphere for diners.

The design concept, named "Meet in blossom," was inspired by Chiang's personal travel experience in Japan. He was captivated by the sight of cherry blossoms blooming outside a traditional teahouse, and the romantic scene created when the petals fell and danced in the wind. Chiang wanted to recreate this unforgettable moment in the On Yasai restaurant in Hong Kong, creating a stark contrast to the modern shopping mall environment and allowing diners to experience a sudden moment of tranquility and beauty.

One of the unique features of On Yasai is its warm and cozy interior design. The brand name itself, which means "warm vegetables," symbolizes the warm and excellent service that warms customers' hearts. This central idea served as the starting point for creating a hit and cozy restaurant with warm color tones and unique installation arts. The interior design is carefully crafted to ensure that guests will never tire of seeing it, creating a visually stimulating and engaging dining experience.

The design team, led by Vincent Chi-Wai Chiang and Keith Wong Ho Lau, paid attention to every detail of the design to ensure a seamless and enjoyable dining experience. The seats and corridors were carefully arranged to facilitate smooth service processes and increase interactions between guests and the restaurant. Instead of traditional display methods, several sets of Japanese Sake display cabinets are placed in different directions around the main door, allowing guests to freely walk around and choose their favorite wine.

The design of On Yasai also incorporates elements of traditional Japanese architecture. The walls are painted with stripes, cherry blossoms of different sizes, and gray bricks to highlight the features of Japanese architecture. Thousands of Japanese Tea Whisks in unique shapes and textures are put up with ambient lighting, creating a three-dimensional display that enhances the sense of space and balance. Ancient Japanese-style wallpaper with mosaic patterns is hung on the theme wall, adding to the overall aesthetic appeal of the restaurant.

The design of On Yasai presented several challenges for the design team. One of the challenges was the large triangular area and fire gate near the main entrance, which could not accommodate seats. To solve this problem and enhance practicality, the team placed several sets of Japanese Sake display cabinets of different sizes in different angles. Another challenge was the low ceiling height of the restaurant. To create a comfortable dining experience, the team decorated the frames, ceiling devices, and chandeliers with slender strips, reducing the sense of oppression and enhancing visual perception.

The On Yasai restaurant in Hong Kong is a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of Vincent Chi-Wai Chiang and his design team. By incorporating elements of traditional Japanese architecture, warm color tones, and unique installation arts, they have created a dining experience that is both visually stunning and inviting. The restaurant emphasizes the gathering and sharing moments with family and friends, providing a space where guests can enjoy delicious food in a beautiful and welcoming environment.

On Yasai's design has been recognized for its excellence and creativity. In 2019, it was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category. This prestigious award is bestowed upon designs that demonstrate outstanding creativity and resourcefulness, incorporating best practices in art, science, design, and technology. On Yasai's design contributes to quality of life improvements, making the world a better place.