Moritomi Japanese Cuisine: A Modern Tribute to Heritage

An Innovative Design Approach by Tetsuya Matsumoto

The design of Moritomi Japanese Cuisine is deeply rooted in the concept of materiality in architecture. The restaurant's new location, near the Himeji Castle, inspired Matsumoto to recreate the castle's stone fortification patterns using three different materials: rough and polished stone, black oxide coated steel, and Japanese tatami mats. This innovative approach to material substitution allows the design to retain the spirit of the original architecture while introducing a modern aesthetic.

The restaurant occupies parts of the first and second levels of a mixed-use building. The interior finishes include a variety of materials such as stone, black oxide coated steel, platina sheets, tatami mats, wallpaper, vinyl floor tiles, dark mirrors, and an organic plaster-based material called Joly-pat. This material, which resembles traditional Japanese earth walls, includes tiny glass beads that sparkle when exposed to light, adding a touch of modernity to the traditional design.

The exterior of the restaurant is clad in rough and polished stones, reminiscent of the castle's fortifications. The gravel floor at the entrance, which mimics the moat at the castle's base, invites customers into the restaurant. The first floor hosts tables, small rooms, and a counter seating area adjacent to the kitchen. The second level includes a VIP room and a larger banquet room that can be divided into four spaces.

The design project, which started in October 2018 and was completed in September 2019, was both designed and constructed in Himeji City, Japan. The biggest challenge faced by Matsumoto was finding a common spirit of space using different and incoherent materials. The designer also had to balance the traditional spirit of the restaurant with the contemporary context of the new location.

Despite these challenges, Matsumoto's innovative design for Moritomi Japanese Cuisine was recognized with a Silver A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2020. This prestigious award is given to designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise, innovation, and artistic skill. Matsumoto's design for Moritomi Japanese Cuisine is a testament to his ability to blend tradition and modernity, creating a unique dining experience that pays tribute to Japan's rich architectural heritage.