This is a minimalist space located in Osaka, Japan, designed by KATATA YOSHIHITO DESIGN. The store is divided into two distinct areas: a maintenance room and a knife gallery. The maintenance room allows customers to observe the knife care process through large windows, offering a glimpse into the meticulous methods used by Tojiro’s craftsmen. This space is equipped with the same tools and machines as the company’s main factory, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship. The focus here is on preserving the life of the knives, promoting sustainability by encouraging long-term use and reducing waste. In the knife gallery, the design embraces traditional Japanese elements, using wood to evoke a warm and classic atmosphere.
The walls are lined with knives displayed in a way that recalls the close relationship between knives and cutting boards in Japanese culinary traditions. A traditional technique known as Yoroi-bari, which emphasizes precision and practicality, is employed throughout the store’s display fixtures, ensuring that the knives are both accessible and secure. The store’s exterior uses galvanized spangle material, a nod to industrial design that contrasts with the warm interior, creating a fusion of modern and traditional elements. This balance of old and new, Japanese craftsmanship and industrial aesthetics, highlights a contemporary approach to store design that respects tradition while embracing innovation.
Photo
Masaaki Inoue
