Kayanoya is an artisanal soy sauce manufacturer with a history that goes back more than 120 years. In designing the Kayanoya flagship store in Nihonbashi, Tokyo, Kengo Kuma has drawn inspiration from the company’s traditional warehouse in Kyushu, Southern Japan.

Giant wooden barrels, which are used to make shoyu or soya sauce, hang from the ceiling, while Koji Buta, a special tray that is used in the making of koji (malt rice) has been turned into furniture.

Underscoring the importance of community-oriented design, all the cedar materials have been sourced from Kyushu, and the barrels and trays have been produced by local craftspeople.

Kengo Kuma
kkaa.co.jp