Ginza Wakiya

This project involved planning the architectural exterior of the company building of Chef Wakiya Tomoyuki, who has been a leader in the Chinese cuisine world in Japan for many years. The restaurant is conveniently located just down an alley from the Ginza 4-Chome intersection, and Chef Wakiya runs the Chinese restaurant on the first and second floors, the soba restaurant "Daidai" on the third floor, and the members-only floor on the seventh floor.
Our company was responsible for everything from the building facade concept design concept design of the three directly operated stores.

The challenge was to combine an "open kitchen" style, which is extremely rare for a Chinese restaurant, with counter seating. Combining concept design that beautifully showcases Wakiya's delicate movements and the dynamic cooking using high heat and heat that is essential to Chinese cuisine, posed a very difficult challenge in terms of spatial and kitchen design. Furthermore, it was also necessary to create a space where all of these elements were beautifully harmonized.

Within the counter, a copper "okudo" (stovetop) is placed at a high position to serve as a focal point, and the high-powered kiln is located at the rear of the kitchen. This allows the counter seats to carefully observe the delicate process of cooking, while the impact of the intense heat is subdued at the back of the space, creating an overall well-balanced visual experience.
The iron plate on the counter was designed by an artist using a special dyeing method that burns horse chestnut wood to a deep, dark color, based on the theme of "flame," a symbol of Chinese cuisine. The color, which evokes the shades of flame, symbolizes the heat and beauty of the food, while also creating a calm atmosphere.
The building's facade employs a unique construction method in which diagonally cut brick parts are stacked to accentuate the strength of the steel frame. The shadows created by these layers change appearance between day and night, completing the building's dignified yet delicate exterior concept design.