Wako's main store ground floor in Ginza is redesigned by the New Materials Laboratory! Opening of "The Stage of Time

October 2, 2024

Table of Contents

1 The Birth of a New Basement: Wako's "Stage of Time

The Birth of a New Basement: Wako's "Stage of Time

Wako's main store, a symbol of Ginza 4-chome, Tokyo, has recently renewed its basement floor. The architectural design was created by Hiroshi Sugimoto and Michiyuki Sakakida of Shinsozai Kenkyujo. Inheriting the spirit of its founder, Kintaro Hattori, of always being one step ahead of the times, Wako's basement floor has proposed new lifestyles and values.

Concept of renewal: "Stage and Corridor

The design concept of the New Materials Institute is "stage and corridor. In the center of the floor is a space that resembles a clock, which is the root of Wako, with two huge pieces of Kirishima cedar symbolizing the long and short hands. The "stage" is surrounded by a "corridor" designed to allow visitors to encounter a variety of creators' products as they walk around the space.

Wako's "Japanese Light

Hiroshi Sugimoto sees Wako as "the light of harmony," and speaks of this renewal as follows. He said, "Harmony is attracting worldwide attention these days, but it is not as simple as wabi and sabi. We rethought what is true harmony in this day and age, and aimed for something solid and immaculate." This philosophy is reflected in the store's design and exhibits.

A space where culture and history intersect

Inside the store, "Harmony" and "Light" from Hiroshi Sugimoto's "Brush Impression" series are on display, and an old piece of wood from the Kamakura period (1185-1333) from Todaiji Temple is used in the tokonoma (alcove). Also on display is a sutra case from the Heian period, linking these items to the concept of a "stage of time.

Commitment to Materials

The Shinsozai Institute's attention to detail is evident throughout the space, including various types of cedar wood, paving stones used in machiya houses in Kyoto, columns made of travertine from Okinawa, and karagami wallpaper with fossilized designs. These materials provide visitors with great surprises and enjoyment.

The Dawn of a New "Stage of Time

In conjunction with the renovation, an ancient linen installation by Shinichiro Yoshida, a well-known artist, collector and researcher of natural fabrics, will be displayed in the central window on the first floor. This exhibit will celebrate the opening of the new "Stage of Time" from July 18 through August 21.

Article Supervisor

Yuya Hachimine

Representative Director of ZENNO GROUP, Inc. known as a leader in the night work industry in Ginza. He worked for 14 years as a black-shirted worker in a high-class club in Ginza, and based on his experience, he provides various services for the industry. In order to improve the inefficient work system, he founded ZENNO GROUP Inc. and has contributed to the development of the industry.