Japanese Taste Isitolo Sokuthengisa by Shunsuke Ohe

Japanese Taste Isitolo Sokuthengisa by Shunsuke Ohe is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Umklomelo Webhulonzi we-A' Design Award in Ukudizayina Ingaphakathi Competition Category.

IbhulonziIngaphakathi· 2026

Japanese Taste Isitolo Sokuthengisa

by Shunsuke Ohe

Client: Shunsuke Ohe

Umklomelo Webhulonzi we-A' Design Award Winner in Ingaphakathi Category

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Colors

The Design

About Japanese Taste Isitolo Sokuthengisa

I-Japanese Taste yisitolo sokuthengisa esitholakala eSiteshini saseKyoto eJapane. Lesi sitolo sethula imisebenzi yezandla, ukudla, i-sake, izimonyo kanye nezimpahla zansuku zonke ezenziwe ngabakhandi bemisebenzi yezandla, abalimi kanye nabakhiqizi abavela kulo lonke elaseJapane. Ingaphakathi lilandela ubumnandi bobulula baseJapane, lisebenzisa isikhala, ukukhanya, isithunzi kanye nokuzithiba esikhundleni semihlobiso. Ingaphandle elinombala omnyama lizungeza ingaphakathi elifudumele lokhuni, itshe kanye nokukhanya okuthambile. Itafula elikhulu eliphakathi nendawo lisebenza njengendawo yokubukisa nanjengesiteji, kanti izinto ezimile ezinjengothango eziqondile zengeza ukujula. Lolu hlelo lokwakha luphendula indawo yokudlula ibe yindawo yokuhlangana kwamasiko.

The Recognition

About the Umklomelo Webhulonzi we-A' Design Award

Japanese Taste Isitolo Sokuthengisa iwinile uMklomelo Webhulonzi we-A' Design Award, ukwaziswa okuhloniphekile kakhulu okunikezwa imiklamo ephawulekayo eyehlukaniswa ukudala, ubuhlakani nobukhali bengqondo. Abawinile beBhulonzi yimisebenzi enobuchule obukhulu nedala ngokumangalisayo eqinisekisa isipiliyoni esibanzi, umcabango nobuhlakani babaklami babo. Japanese Taste Isitolo Sokuthengisa ilindeleke ukuba ibe yinto exatshwa kakhulu, edunyiswayo nethandwayo, enobungcweti obuphawulekayo nezinto ezintsha. Lo mklamo owinile uMklomelo Webhulonzi we-A' Design Award uhlanganisa izindlela ezinhle kakhulu ebuciko, esayensi, ekuklameni nasebuchwepheshe futhi uhamba phambili ngenxa yokunaka kwawo imininingwane. Japanese Taste Isitolo Sokuthengisa iyanelisa izidingo ngokumangalisayo, ithinta izifiso, iheha imizwa futhi ikhanga ukufuna ukwazi.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

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

Unique Properties: The Japanese products featured here range widely, from crafts and food to sake, cosmetics and everyday essentials. However, these are not merely commodities. They embody the local climate, materials and techniques, the philosophy of their makers, and the aesthetic sensibilities cultivated by the Japanese people. Consequently, this space aims to serve as a vessel that quietly draws out the value inherent in these diverse items and conveys it to our visitors.
Dimensions & Packaging: Project area : 114.5 sqm / Category : Retail Outlet
Tags: stone , wood , tile , Japanese-style , Kyoto , noren , LUSTYdesign , Shunsuke Ohe
Production Technology: Ceiling : wall paper / Wall : wood , wall paper , stone , wooden lattice / Floor : pvc tile
Design Challenge: At the centre of the space, a large table functions as both display and stage, connecting visitors with products and their stories. Soft fabric like lighting above and vertical lattice elements create warmth, depth, and quiet symbolism. A restrained palette of wood, stone, black, and red brings unity to the diverse product range, forming a subtle spatial framework that allows the products to stand out.
Research: A key aim of this project was to transform Kyoto Station from a place of transit into a place of cultural encounter. Through calm fixture planning, restrained lighting, layered sightlines, and a curatorial approach that unifies diverse products, the space invites visitors to pause, explore, and reflect. More than a shop, Japanese Taste presents a contemporary way to communicate the essence of Japanese craftsmanship and sensibility to the world.
Inspiration: Kyoto remains an international city open to the world, whilst embracing a thousand years of history and culture. In this city, which welcomes countless visitors from both home and abroad, Kyoto Station is not merely a transport hub, but a gateway that shapes the city’s first impression. This project involves a retail initiative in this highly public space, showcasing and selling goods crafted by artisans, farmers and producers from across Japan.
Project Duration: Project Duration : From April 2025 to July 2025 Project location : Kyoto(Japan)
Operation Flow: At the heart of the design is minimalism, a principle deeply rooted in Japanese culture. Rather than relying on superficial motifs, the space reinterprets ma, light and shadow, materiality, order, and restraint within a contemporary retail setting. Framed by a black toned exterior, the interior offers warmth, soft light, and calm, creating a quiet contrast to the bustle of the station and inviting visitors to pause and engage.
Image Credits: Photograph : NANA TAJIMA by ToLoLo studio