Did you know that the basement floor of Wako Main Store (SEIKO HOUSE), a Ginza landmark located at the intersection of Ginza 4-Chome, has been renovated and opened as "Arts and Culture" on July 7th?
Wako is a building designed by the Watanabe Jin Architectural Office in 1932. Its neo-renaissance design and clock tower exterior make it a famous Ginza landmark that is well known to all Japanese people. However, because of its grandeur, I think there are surprisingly many people who have never been inside the store or don't know what kind of products are sold there.
The newly named “Arts and Culture” basement is not just a place for shopping, but has been positioned as a place for culture and people interaction.
As a cultural hub to revitalize Wako's heritage and rich Japanese culture, the hotel aims to offer diverse aesthetic senses, sensibilities, and one-of-a-kind experiences for modern life through sophisticated products and stimulating programs.
In the center of the basement floor of Wako, there is a rotating display made of Kirishima cedar that resembles a clock face.
The spatial design of the basement floor was handled by New Material Research Laboratory. The first thing you notice when you enter the basement is the rich scent of wood. As soon as you enter from the subway entrance, you'll forget that you're in the middle of Ginza.
Hiroshi Sugimoto himself explained the various aspects of the installation. Apparently, old materials from temples were used in this installation. I think it's a work that is typical of New Material Research Laboratory. Hiroshi Sugimoto is a contemporary artist born in Tokyo in 1948. In the world of contemporary art, he is probably one of the most internationally known Japanese artists.
New Material Research Laboratory is an architectural design firm established by Hiroshi Sugimoto and Tomoyuki Sakakida in 2008. They research materials and techniques used in ancient, medieval and early modern times, and are committed to reinterpreting and revitalizing them in the modern era.
I was curious to see how New Material Research Laboratory would interpret the theme of Wako this time, and when I saw the renovated basement, it looked very refreshing.
The concept of the renewal is "Theatre of Time." And the concept of the spatial design presented by Shinsoken is "The stage and a corridor." In the center is a huge rotating display like the hands of a clock, and the display changes from time to time. There is a corridor surrounded by wooden lattice that allows customers to move around the sales floor. It seems that they have made abundant use of materials unique to Japan, such as Kirishima cedar, Yanase cedar, Kyoto townhouse stone, and Karakami paper, and they have sublimated natural Japanese materials and designs into a modern style, which I think makes for a very natural and soothing space. There is a sense of purity and warmth that makes you want to take a deep breath.
"The joy of connecting with time" and "The quest for Japanese style" - A selection of items you'll want to pick up
The items that Wako stocked for this renewal were also unique. The items by French jewelry designer Charlotte Chesnais were particularly eye-catching. While retaining her minimalist designs that make extensive use of curves, the items, created in collaboration with Wako and using Japanese pearls, were something I wanted to try.
Another collaboration item with Wako is the letter set by Kamisoe, a studio that modernizes karakami paper. The texture of the high-quality washi paper and the arabesque pattern are beautiful, and it became very popular among our editorial staff, who said they wanted it for themselves and it would also make a great gift.
There is also a wide selection of clothing and bags. Looking at the impressive brands that have been brought together for this renewal, such as "CFCL," a knitwear brand that is garnering attention for its 3D computer knitting technology, high design quality, and environmental friendliness, and "BYYO," a bag brand that skillfully features Japanese styles, I felt the high aspirations of Wako, which aims to convey a story that will lead to the future, centered on the important themes of "craftsmanship," "JAPAN," and "SDGs."
Going forward, they plan to continue expressing the beauty and culture of Japan together with creators from Japan and abroad, while still valuing the perspective of craftsmanship.
Collaboration with various creators
There are also books on display, giving a sense of the desire to spread culture from Ginza.
From left, Wako Co., Ltd. President and CEO Kiyoko Niwasaki, Seiko Group Corporation Chairman, Group CEO and Group CCO Shinji Hattori, Hiroshi Sugimoto, and Tomoyuki Sakakida
Don't miss the window displays of Wako, the face of Ginza
In conjunction with the opening of the basement floor, the central window was decorated with an installation by Shinichiro Yoshida, an artist and known collector and researcher of natural fabrics, using ancient white linen cloth that he has been collecting. The minimalist and simple expression is innovative.
In Japan, white has been considered pure and innocent since ancient times, and the whiteness of hemp has been used in religious ceremonies. Wako regards white as the color of light, and will light up Ginza with a variety of white expressions that have been passed down for hundreds of years, celebrating the beginning of a new "Theatre of Time."
Why not take advantage of this basement renovation to visit Ginza Wako?
Mio Shimamura
Since 2017, as the representative and editor-in-chief of Premium Japan,
Lounge
Premium Salon
Editorial Department & PJ Friends Blog
Premium Salon
