Tokyo

Project
Genso turns the racecourse into a cinematic city
Joyce Wang Studio transforms Sha Tin Racecourse into Genso, a retrofuturist dining and entertainment world with a cinematic atmosphere.

Events
Jia CURATED 2026 expands its horizon with Nature Weave
From a beachfront transformation in Bali to a cross-cultural prelude in Tokyo, Southeast Asia’s leading design platform returns with renewed urgency and regional ambition.

Project
Disuko channels 1980s Tokyo nostalgia atop a Melbourne rooftop
Located in the former Madam Brussels rooftop, Disuko reimagines 1980s Tokyo nightlife through layered interiors, bespoke detailing and a flexible dining and bar experience designed by MAMAS Dining Group.

Ideas
Kengo Kuma on Mount Fuji, Metabolism and the Sahara desert
In a wide-ranging interview, the iconic Japanese architect joins Timothy Alouani-Roby to discuss his childhood home, the influence of Metabolism, a formative experience in the Sahara desert and a recent house by Mount Fuji.

Project
Hotel Toranomon Hills, where ‘slow’ design meets fast-paced urban landscape
Set amidst Tokyo’s cyberpunk skyline, this hotel and restaurant nevertheless bring significant Scandivanian softness to the scene.

Project
Fireflies and sushi where Tokyo meets Sydney hospitality design
Vie Studio has designed a glowing example of a dynamic hospitality setting, inspired by Japan’s undulating fascination with fireflies.

Events
AI, Tokyo Metabolism and the city of the future
From INDESIGN #90, the ‘Future Cities’ issue, we consider a precedent from mid-century Japan in terms of confronting crises and rapid technological change.

Events
‘Creating a Better Tomorrow’: Gensler in Tokyo
A Gensler celebration in Tokyo celebrates the practice and looks to the future of design.

Events
Big bangs: The visionary and electrifying practice of Cai Guo-Qiang
For decades Cai Guo-Qiang has wowed audiences with his explosive and innovative artistic approach. We study the creative behind the artistically executed pyrotechnic statements.

Ideas
‘I want to allow nature to design the building’: Interview with Tokyo-based Hiroshi Nakamura & NAP
Hiroshi Nakamura is doing some of the most interesting work on the contemporary Japanese architectural scene. From residential to retail and urban to rural, his practice is one to keep an eye on for observers in Australia and elsewhere. Timothy Alouani-Roby visited the Tokyo studio to find out more.

Project
Expect the unexpected: Luchetti Krelle’s The Upper Tokyo
Australian craftsmanship meets Japanese luxe in Luchetti Krelle’s exciting and luscious restaurant design for The Upper Tokyo.

Events
Eames Office celebrates 80 years of excellence with a Tokyo exhibition
The 80 Years of Design exhibition highlights Charles and Ray Eames’ iconic designs, new editions and brand collaborations, almost all of which are available to purchase globally via Isetan.

Project
Making Swedish minimalism meet Japanese aesthetics
Housed within a 1920’s former bank, Tokyo welcomes new boutique hotel designed by Claesson Koivisto Rune inspired by “aimai” (erasing borders) featuring a series of micro-spaces including a cafe, retail and fine dining.

Project
Esterre: French dining for gourmands in the mood for Japanese
A new Alain Ducasse restaurant in the Palace Hotel Tokyo, with interiors by SIMPLICITY, celebrates Japanese and French craft in both the menu and interiors.

Project
Tokyo’s sky forest
At Tokyo’s Kojimachi Terrace by Nendo, six of the 11 floors are prised open with landscaped terraces lined with warm timber.

Project
India Mahdavi’s pastel-hued, otherworldly interior for Ladurée in Tokyo
Having orchestrated some of the most Instagrammed interiors around the world, India Mahdavi brings her signature aesthetic to Ladurée Aoyama.

Dissections
Bunka Hostel Tokyo by UDS
With millenial travellers looking for a unique, yet affordable travel experience wherever they go, the pressure is on to provide creative design solutions that are spectacular, memorable and, importantly, don’t break the bank account. Bunka Hostel in Tokyo, Japan, by UDS creates a luxe blueprint for budget bunk-bedding.