MioBar Tā Whakatika Whakaputa by Naoya Katagami

MioBar Tā Whakatika Whakaputa by Naoya Katagami is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award Parahi in Hoahoa Whakairoiro, Whakaahua Ringa me te Whakawhitiwhiti Ataata Competition Category.

ParahiWhakairoiro· 2026

MioBar Tā Whakatika Whakaputa

by Naoya Katagami

A' Design Award Parahi Winner in Whakairoiro Category

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Verified Award Winner

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Colors

The Design

About MioBar Tā Whakatika Whakaputa

Ka whakaaturia e tēnei kaupapa te whakahoutanga o MioBar hei Gran Caffe i muri i te tekau mā toru tau e mahi ana. Ko te hua o te hoahoa kei roto he pukapuka iti, he pukapuka whakaahua, me tētahi momo kupu motuhake e whakaatu ana i te āhua mātāmua engari haere noa o te roto kua panonihia. He mea whakaawe e te ahurea wharekai Itāriana, ka whakamahi tēnei kaupapa i ngā pikonga hoahoa whare hei tohu kupu, ka whakauru hoki i te whakaahua hei pupuri i ngā āhuatanga o te wāhi me te aronga tangata. Ka whakatauiratia te wharekai hei wāhi mō te taunekeneke pāpori i roto i tōna horopaki ā-rohe.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award Parahi

Ko MioBar Tā Whakatika Whakaputa te toa o te A' Design Award Parahi, he whakaaetanga tino whai mana e hoatu ana ki ngā hoahoa kōeke e tohua ana mā te auaha, te mahi mōhio me te whakaaro hōhonu. Ko ngā toa Parahi he mahi pukenga e rite ana, he auaha mīharo, e whakatūturu ana i te wheako nui, te whakaaro me te mōhio-ā-ringa o ā rātou kaihoahoa. E tūmanakohia ana ko MioBar Tā Whakatika Whakaputa he taonga whakanuia, whakamīharotia, aroha nui, he ngaio, he auaha hoki. Ko tēnei hoahoa i toa i te Parahi e whakauru ana i ngā tikanga pai rawa i te toi, te pūtaiao, te hoahoa me te hangarau, ā, he tino mīharo ki ngā taipitopito. Ka whakatutuki a MioBar Tā Whakatika Whakaputa i ngā hiahia, ka pā ki ngā hiahia, ka whakaoho i ngā kare-ā-roto, ā, ka kume i te pākiki.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: This project marks the transformation of MioBar into Gran Caffe after 13 years. The brochures and photography were designed to convey the refined atmosphere of the renewed space, inspired by the elegance of historic Italian cafes. A custom typeface, subtly echoing the bar's architectural curves, reinforces the identity. More than a place to drink coffee, it aspires to embody the cultural essence of cafes as timeless spaces for reflection and connection.
Dimensions & Packaging: Leaflet: A6, 8 pages, folded brochure.
Menu: A3, single-sheet.
Photo book LULTIMOGIORNO: B5, 124 pages.
Typeface Rinata: custom original type created specifically for MioBar.
All elements feature original photography by the designer.
Tags: Hiroshima, Gran Caffe, Italian Cafe Culture, Graphic Design, Leaflet, Photography, Book Design, Custom Typeface, Visual Communication, Branding
Production Technology: The project combined custom typography, editorial design, and photography. An original typeface was created, inspired by the curved architectural features of the renovated cafe interior. The leaflet was realized through color photography shot with Leica equipment, while the photo book LULTIMOGIORNO was produced using monochrome film that I photographed and self-developed. This hands-on process, from capture to refinement, ensured a unified and authentic visual identity aligned with the Gran Caffe's ambience.
Design Challenge: The main challenge was translating the essence of a Gran Caffe into visual communication without reducing it to decoration. Balancing historical references with contemporary sensibility required close study of architectural curves and cultural symbols. Limited resources and alignment with the client's renovation vision added complexity, but addressing these constraints resulted in a design that resonates authentically with both space and community.
Research: Research for this project focused on the cultural and spatial role of cafes, particularly the transition from a neighborhood bar to a Gran Caffe. The objective was to explore how architecture, typography, and visual communication shape atmosphere and memory. Methods included observing Italian cafe traditions and analyzing spatial curves, which inspired the custom typeface Rinata. Findings indicated that careful design can elevate daily experiences and reinforce cultural identity.
Inspiration: Editorial Design

The inspiration came from the transformation of MioBar into a "Gran Caffe," envisioned as a cultural space rather than just a coffee bar. The aim was to express the spirit of its refined yet welcoming interior through graphic design. Drawing from the curved architectural details, I created the original typeface Rinata, complemented with photography to capture both atmosphere and story. The result is a design that not only informs but also evokes the essence of cafe culture.
Project Duration: The project began in March 2025 in Hiroshima, Japan, with the renovation of MioBar into Gran Caffe Mio. The design work, including leaflet, photo book, and custom typography, was completed by June 2025 in Hiroshima, and officially presented to the public at the cafe's reopening in July 2025.
Operation Flow: This project goes beyond a simple restaurant renovation, aiming to convey the essence of a Gran Caffe to the local community. The leaflet serves as an accessible guide, while the photo book offers a reflective experience of the renewed space. Combined with custom typography, these elements invite people in Hiroshima to engage with the cafe and the cultural heritage it represents.
Image Credits: Naoya Katagami