Located in Tsubame-Sanjo, a blacksmithing town with over 300 years of history, Tadafusa is an esteemed manufacturer of hand-forged knives.

© Takumi Ota

Architects: Yusuke Seki

Location: Niigata Prefecture, Japan

Art Direction & Design: Yusuke Seki

Project Year: 2015

Photographs: Takumi Ota

Store Direction: Method

Client: Tadafusa Ltd.

© Takumi Ota

From the architect. Located in Tsubame-Sanjo, a blacksmithing town with over 300 years of history, Tadafusa is an esteemed manufacturer of hand-forged knives.

© Takumi Ota

The notion of a cutting board shop is also a thread woven deeply into the store concept. While Tsubame-Sanjo area is famous for being a blacksmithing town, knives do not consist solely of blades. The specialized antibacterial carbonization method Tadafusa has developed is represented in the design's focus on the use of spruce:  carbonized spruce lends exceptional antibacterial qualities to knife handles and cutting boards. It is from this material that the displays and the central table are constructed, and upon which, Tadafusa?s products can be experienced. 
© Takumi Ota

© Takumi Ota

What appears quite simple and plain at first is actually a refined exercise in behavior design. The standard knife display case was ...