Boku Àgbékalẹ̀ Inú Ilé Oúnjẹ àti Bọ́ọ̀ by Takahiro Todoroki is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Àmì-ẹ̀yẹ Fàdákà A' Design Award in Àpẹẹrẹ Àyà Inú Ilé àti Ibi Àfihàn Competition Category.
FàdákàInú Ilé· 2026
Boku Àgbékalẹ̀ Inú Ilé Oúnjẹ àti Bọ́ọ̀
Client: Engine,inc
Àmì-ẹ̀yẹ Fàdákà A' Design Award Winner in Inú Ilé Category
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The Design
About Boku Àgbékalẹ̀ Inú Ilé Oúnjẹ àti Bọ́ọ̀
Boku jẹ́ àgbékalẹ̀ inú ilé oúnjẹ àti bọ́ọ̀ ní Guadalajara, Mẹ́síkò. Àgbékalẹ̀ náà so àwọn ìlànà ìṣètò àyè ti ilẹ̀ Japan pọ̀ mọ́ àṣà ìbílẹ̀, ó sì gba ìmísí láti oúnjẹ ojú títì ti Osaka, pẹ̀lú takoyaki gẹ́gẹ́ bí kókó pàtàkì rẹ̀. Tábìlì tí ó tẹ̀ lọ́nà yíká ń gbé ìbáṣepọ̀ láàrin àwọn ènìyàn lárugẹ, àwọn ìrísí ara ògiri sì ń fi kún ẹwà tí a lè fọwọ́ kàn. Àwọn iná tí a fi ọ̀pá oparun ṣe tí ó rọ̀ sókè àti àwọn ohun èlò àdánidá ń dá àyíká tí ó ní ẹ̀mí ìṣẹ̀dá sílẹ̀. Àjà àárín kan ń lo àǹfààní gíga òrùlé, ó sì ń fi oríṣiríṣi iṣẹ́ kún ibẹ̀. Ibùdó náà ń pèsè oúnjẹ ní ọ̀sán, ó sì ń di bọ́ọ̀ àti ibi ayẹyẹ ní alẹ́.
The Recognition
About the Àmì-ẹ̀yẹ Fàdákà A' Design Award
Boku Àgbékalẹ̀ Inú Ilé Oúnjẹ àti Bọ́ọ̀ jẹ́ olùborí Àmì-ẹ̀yẹ Fàdákà A' Design Award, ìdánimọ̀ onípọ̀nlé lọ́nà àrà ọ̀tọ̀ tí a fún àwọn àwòṣe ìpele gíga jùlọ tó dára tó sì ń kan ọkàn. Àwọn olùborí Fàdákà jẹ́ àwọn iṣẹ́ tó ń tàn yòò gidigidi tó sì ní ìṣẹ̀dá púpọ̀ tí wọ́n ń ṣàfihàn ìmọ̀ ìjìnlẹ̀, ẹ̀bùn àti ìmọ̀ràn àwọn olùṣàwòṣe wọn. A retí pé Boku Àgbékalẹ̀ Inú Ilé Oúnjẹ àti Bọ́ọ̀ yóò jẹ́ iṣẹ́ àgbàyanu, àpẹẹrẹ rere, ti ọ̀jáfáfá lọ́nà tó ṣe pàtàkì tó sì ní ìmúṣẹ̀dá tuntun jinlẹ̀. Àwòṣe tó borí Àmì-ẹ̀yẹ Fàdákà A' Design Award yìí jẹ́ ohun ìmúṣẹ̀dá tó hàn gbangba gidigidi tí a mọrírì tó ń ṣe anfàní tó sì ń tì ààlà iṣẹ́ ọnà, sáyẹ́ǹsì, àwòṣe àti ìmọ̀-ẹ̀rọ síwájú. Boku Àgbékalẹ̀ Inú Ilé Oúnjẹ àti Bọ́ọ̀ jẹ́ ẹ̀dá tí ọ̀pọ̀lọpọ̀ ń ṣe ìlara, tó ń jí ìfẹ́ inú, tó ń mú ìmọ̀lára rere wá tó sì ń jí ìyàlẹ́nu àti ìyanu.
Behind the Design
Press Kit
Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.
- Unique Properties
- This project merges Japanese spatial philosophy with the local culture of Mexico, avoiding superficial Japanese style design. Inspired by Osaka street food culture, the space centers on takoyaki and reinterprets the vitality of octopus as a spatial language. A curved counter evokes tentacles, encouraging social interaction, while wall textures recall suction cups. Suspended bamboo lighting and natural materials create an organic atmosphere. A mezzanine utilizes the high ceiling, adding vertical depth and functional diversity.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Total area: 128 sqm. Ceiling height: 4500 mm. Structure: steel frame. Materials: bamboo, mortar cement, brick, steel, washi, resin, sumi ink, LED neon. Ceiling: brick finish with clear coating. Floor: pigmented mortar with urethane coating. Walls: brick and painted surfaces with artwork. Lighting: 50 lux ambient, 100 lux table, 2700K. Features include sound system with subwoofer, DJ booth, and integrated lighting installations.
- Tags
- Bar, Mexico, Japanese, Restaurant, Takoyaki, Tequila, Bamboo, Sake, Guadarajara,
- Production Technology
- The design process translated traditional Takeakari into a modular ceiling system using parametric modeling and digital fabrication. Bamboo elements were lasercut based on 3D data due to limited local craftsmanship. Detailed drawings were developed to adapt complex geometries to local construction skills. The counter was formed using mortar and cement with curved surfaces requiring precise manual finishing. A mezzanine structure resolves the narrow plan by layering functions vertically. Circulation and visibility were optimized through curved layouts and open kitchen placement.
- Design Challenge
- The main challenge was bridging the gap between complex design intent and local construction capabilities. Many contractors declined due to the level of detail, and initial cost estimates exceeded the budget. This was resolved by simplifying construction systems and clearly communicating design logic through detailed drawings. Inconsistent schedules and craftsmanship required multiple adjustments and rework. Maintaining design quality under these constraints demanded continuous on-site coordination and adaptive problem-solving throughout the project.
- Research
- This is an applied spatial design research. The objective was to reinterpret Japanese identity in Mexico without cliches while ensuring functional performance. The methodology combined cultural analysis, spatial planning, material testing, and onsite coordination over 3 months design and 5 months construction. Data were collected through site constraints, user flow studies, and mock ups using drawings, 3D modeling, lighting tests, and material comparisons. Experiments included bamboo lighting and steel hand lights. The result improved user stay time, SNS engagement, and cross cultural business value.
- Inspiration
- The project was inspired by the fusion of Japanese highball culture and takoyaki, aiming to redefine Japanese identity outside Japan. Instead of stereotypical expressions, it integrates subtle cultural elements such as bamboo lighting, ranma lattice, and sumie art. Influenced by Osaka vibrant street stalls, the design reflects warmth, energy, and informality. Traditional Japanese spatial techniques are reinterpreted through contemporary materials and composition, creating a modern space that quietly embodies the essence of Wa within a global context.
- Project Duration
- This project began its design phase in Japan in 2024 and opened in Guadalajara, Mexico, in August 2025.
- Operation Flow
- The space operates as a restaurant during the day and transforms into a bar and event venue at night. It supports a wide range of users, from individuals to large groups. The open kitchen creates a lively atmosphere where guests can experience the cooking process. The takoyaki grill is placed near the entrance to attract attention and introduce the cuisine. The curved counter allows natural communication between guests, enhancing social interaction and making the space intuitive and engaging.
- Image Credits
- Photographer : Katsumi Hirabayashi
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