Kasuga Mochi יאַפּאַנישע זיסוואַרג-קאַפֿע

Press Kit

Unique Properties

Whilst traditional Japanese confectionery is a delicate expression of Japanese culture, the image of formality and tradition can sometimes take precedence, creating a psychological barrier for younger generations, male customers and those visiting alone. This project sought to carefully break down these invisible barriers and explore a concept for an open and welcoming traditional Japanese confectionery cafe where anyone, regardless of age or gender, can drop in without feeling intimidated.

Dimensions & Packaging

Site area : 54.4 sqm / Total floor area : 102.6 sqm / Category : Japanese sweets cafe

Tags

wood , tile , flooring , eaves , white , cafe , coral pink , green , Japanese , LUSTYdesign , Shunsuke Ohe

Production Technology

Roof : galvalume steel plate / Eaves : silicate calcium board , metal panel / Exterior walls : ceramic siding, metal panel / Exterior flooring : porcelain tile / Interior ceiling : wood , wall paper / Interior wall : wall paper / Interior flooring : pvc tile

Design Challenge

Kasuga Mochi balances visual clarity with spatial comfort. Rather than maximising seating, the layout carefully controls circulation, sightlines, waiting areas, and spacing to reduce overlaps in movement and maintain a calm atmosphere within a compact footprint. By reinterpreting tradition through a contemporary lens, the project connects the history and future of a long established confectionery business while making wagashi culture feel more open, familiar, and accessible.

Research

The project reinterprets a narrow urban building with limited frontage as a vertical landmark with a clear identity. A predominantly white exterior creates a crisp facade, while vertical wooden latticework and warm materials bring softness and harmony to the streetscape. Inside, white is paired with wood tones, soft green, and coral orange to evoke the lightness and familiarity of Japanese confectionery. Rather than expressing tradition literally, the design presents it through an abstract language suited to contemporary urban life.

Inspiration

Kasuga Mochi is a Japanese confectionery cafe launched by a client company with a history spanning over 80 years. For this long established confectionery shop, the challenge lay in creating a new space that, whilst upholding tradition, would naturally appeal to generations who had previously had little connection with traditional Japanese confectionery, as well as to people with different motivations for visiting.

Project Duration

Project Duration : From August 2023 to July 2025 Project location : Osaka(Japan)

Operation Flow

One of the project’s defining features is the design of the walls and ceilings, which highlights the delicate horizontal grain of the wood. These elements create depth, rhythm, and a quiet sense of unity throughout the space. All built in furniture was custom designed for the project, and every element, including benches, tables, counters, and planting, was carefully coordinated to express the identity of Kasuga Mochi. The interior was conceived as an integrated whole, giving spatial form to the brand experience.

Image Credits

NANA TAJIMA by ToLoLo studio