nana's green tea Ageo

THE PROJECT

Behind the distinction.

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Nanaha Co., Ltd. is a company dedicated to introducing “new Japanese forms” to the global market through the lens of “matcha.” It offers high-quality matcha in modern interpretations, such as matcha lattes. Furthermore, the atmosphere sought within its stores is not merely “Japanese-style” but that of a “contemporary tea room.” In the words of the owner, this reflects a desire to create “a place where people can enjoy Japan’s traditional tea culture through a modern interpretation.”

For this project, the design was themed around creating a space where visitors can experience the spirit of the tea ceremony—“Wa-Kei-Sei-Jaku”—as conceived by Sen no Rikyū. “Wa” signifies harmony with others; “Kei,” mutual consideration; “Sei,” a clear mind; and “Jaku,” the quiet passage of time. I sought to create a space where nature and modernity blend seamlessly—a place where a single cup of matcha can relieve the hustle and bustle of daily life and bring peace to the mind.

In practice, I designed the space as a pairing of matcha green and white—the color most familiar to people—to express how the two gradually blend together.

I hope that visitors will experience Japanese culture through matcha here.