Sushi Azuma is a Japanese restaurant designed by the Osaka-based architecture practice Stile led by Ietsugu Ohara. The concept for the architecture is conceived with the traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony in mind, where the activity revolves around the preparation and presentation of the tea. The interior spaces and the materials are kept to a strict minimalist architecture, allowing the colors and lighting to present and highlight the preparation and dining of sushi.

Everything has been meticulously designed in this space, from the proportion of the furniture to the sizes of the paneling, to a visual play on the architecture such as on the inside of the private dining niches where the cantilevered table appears to subtly 'lift' itself from the bench seating, which is such a clever, minimalist detail.

Accent walls are dipped in a contrasting darker wood while curved walls are only highlighted by the cove lighting, allowing the public and private spaces to coexist as an integral part of the architectural procession. While Ohara's intention was to focus on the food, one cannot help but appreciate the calm and peaceful aesthetic of Sushi Azuma's minimalism.

Construction: Ida Home. / Jiro Ida
Lighting: MAXRAY. / Hiroyuki Nagatomi
Decorative lighting: flame. / Kenichi Kandatsu
Furniture (Chair and Japanese cushion): YAG COLLECTION / Michio Tano
Photography: Hirokazu Matsuoka