In Matsudo, Japan, Imai Hiroyasu has transformed a modest apartment into a sublime sanctuary for a couple and their two cats. Dubbed the Boko House, this 2022 concrete-style redesign seamlessly merges sleek human living spaces with cat-friendly features within a 65-square-meter (700-square-foot) area.
It’s a masterful example of dual-species design, where every shelf and beam becomes part of a larger, inter-species conversation, balancing aesthetics with the practicalities of a shared habitat. This apartment isn’t just a living space; it’s a thoughtfully curated environment where humans and pets coexist in harmony and comfort.
In Nagano, Japan, a city celebrated for its majestic mountains, serene hot springs, and age-old temples, the Nagano HQ stands as a beacon of minimalist Japanese design.
Designed by the illustrious Norm Architects in 2023, this office space redefines the conventional workspace. With art gallery vibes and an atmosphere that feels like a luxurious living room, it’s a testament to harmonious design where inspiration flows as freely as the nearby mountain streams.
Step inside C4L, a contemporary Tokyo masterpiece seamlessly weaving tradition and innovation, designed by Cubo Design Architect in 2022.
This unique house represents a meticulous fusion of Japan’s rich architectural heritage and the sophistication of modern design. Drawing upon age-old Japanese aesthetic principles, the residence exudes a tranquil ambiance while subtly reflecting the wabi-sabi aesthetic, the beauty of imperfection. Illuminated by a masterful play of light and shadow, the home is an exquisite showcase of artisanal workmanship, featuring the distinctive touch of seven traditional artisans skilled in diverse crafts like sukiya carpentry, plaster, Japanese paper, mullions, braided chord, screens and doors, and lacquer. This is not just a house; it’s a living testament to Japanese cultural refinement and a new standard for luxury in Japan’s bustling capital.
Discover the Tranquil House, a striking single-family residence nestled in Hikone, Japan, known for its stunning Hikone Castle.
Redesigned in 2021 by FORM / Kouichi Kimura Architects, this brutalist-style home seamlessly blends privacy with visual expansion, creating a serene retreat amidst a bustling environment. Experience the exquisite aesthetics and harmonious living spaces that make this architectural masterpiece truly stand out.
Saga Hirakawaya Tofu Takeo Onsen is a unique combination of restaurant and shop, located in front of the historical tower gate of Takeo Onsen, a long-established hot spring resort in Saga, Japan. Designed by Keiji Ashizawa Design in 2022, this cozy real estate offers an atmosphere like no other.
It features a wooden house structure with a gently arched exterior, a foot bath with hot spring water in the courtyard, a retail store that promotes the tofu culture and a restaurant. The light in the interior space is dynamic, featuring washi shades crafted by Nao Washi, a Saga-based Japanese paper manufacturer, and all furniture is made by Ariake, a brand that produces in Morodomi, Saga Prefecture.
Welcome to the Sasaki Spine Clinic in Hiroshima, Japan, designed by UID Architects and completely renovated in 2019. This modern wooden-style clinic is located in the historical city of Hiroshima and is sure to leave you impressed.
The design of the Sasaki Spine Clinic includes layering walls that create an interconnected and expansive space, while also sustaining a relationship with the medical programs in the entire facility. Combining modern and wood-style designs, the Sasaki Spine Clinic is the perfect example of innovation and beauty.
Discover Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono, a luxurious mountain resort located in Hokkaido, Japan. Designed by Nikken Sekkei in 2019, the resort features a contemporary chapel designed in harmony with the four seasons, reflecting traditional Japanese aesthetics.
The chapel boasts a “floating grand roof” symbolizing traditional Japanese architecture, and provides guests with a quasi-outdoor resort wedding experience, private dining, buffets, seminars, conferences and concert events. With its air-conditioning system and understated window-side air outlet grilles, this modern mountain resort brings luxury to the pristine heart of Niseko’s Hanazono area.
