Atuki Onishi Appointed Wood Creative Director at Senba Group

In a significant move towards the evolution of woodworking design and production, Senba Co., Ltd., headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo, has announced the appointment of Atuki Onishi as the new Wood Creative Director. This new role will take effect from September 1, 2025. Onishi joins Senba alongside its group company, Sobi Co., Ltd., where he will leverage his expertise to enhance the group's capabilities in creating diverse and innovative spaces.

About Atuki Onishi

Atuki Onishi hails from Takayama City in Gifu Prefecture, where he began his career in production management and craftsmanship at a major furniture manufacturer. He joined Artistree Co., Ltd. in 2015, where he advanced from a furniture artisan to a CNC operator, making significant strides in the development of 3DX woodworking technologies. His contributions have spanned across architecture, sauna design, automotive projects, and fine arts, applying woodworking techniques in versatile fields.

Onishi's affiliation with Artistree has positioned him as a key player in the specialized furniture manufacturing sector, where he has introduced innovative concepts using five-axis CNC machining. This technology has allowed him to create unique custom furniture pieces that feature curvilinear structures and three-dimensional processing, previously impossible with traditional handcraft methods.

The Role of 3DX Woodworking

Globally, the woodworking industry has embraced digital technologies from the design phase through to processing, continuing to evolve and innovate. In Japan, while there has been progress in 3D design, the practical application of 3D technologies during the production phase is still catching up. Artistree stands at the forefront of digital woodworking in Japan, with Onishi's challenging furniture pieces and spatial designs earning accolades in numerous domestic and international design awards, including the prestigious Wood Design Award.

Advancements in Woodworking with Senba and Sobi

Sobi, a group company founded shortly after Senba's establishment, boasts a skilled team of woodworkers who excel in selecting quality timber and executing meticulous handcrafting processes. Onishi's integration into the creative team promises to fuse Senba’s spatial design expertise with Sobi's refined craftsmanship and Onishi's cutting-edge digital woodworking skills.

This new collaboration aims to unlock wood's diverse potential in producing creative and advanced spatial designs. The first initiative will be unveiled on October 22, 2025, during the ETHICAL DESIGN WEEK TOKYO 2025, showcasing new street furniture designs developed under this partnership. The woodworking community and design enthusiasts are encouraged to stay tuned for these exciting developments.

Onishi's Vision

In commentary on his new role, Onishi expressed a fervent desire to inspire future generations, stating, "My life goal is to make woodworking a coveted profession for children. I am incredibly grateful for this wonderful opportunity in such a rapidly changing era. I aim to create impactful collaborations that contribute to the growth of the interior design industry and woodworking craftsmanship."

Notable Achievements with 3DX Woodworking

Onishi's past projects prominently featuring 3DX woodworking technology include:

- EXPO 2025 Osaka-Kansai: Japan Marche Bus Stop
- Nagoya Mikkō Building: First Floor Entrance
- MUQUA: Original Bench
- Moment Bench project at Matsuzakaya Nagoya Store
- NA RA: Relaxation Space (Wood Design Award Winner)

Sobi's Acclaimed Projects

Sobi Co., Ltd. has also made its mark with projects such as the relocation project for the Bar Roguchi at the Suntory Yamazaki Distillery, showcasing their craftsmanship and precision in woodworking.

About the Companies

- Artistree Co., Ltd.: Located in Kasugai City, Aichi Prefecture, they specialize in custom furniture production, driven by President Mitsu Tohmu. More info can be found on their website.
- Sobi Co., Ltd.: Based in Minato-ku, Tokyo, Sobi emphasizes intricate craftsmanship and wood-based spatial production under the leadership of President Chiaki Saika. Visit their website for details.
- Senba Co., Ltd.: As a comprehensive partner in various space creation projects, Senba focuses on ethical design and sustainability. Explore more about their mission and projects on their website.

With this strategic appointment, the future of woodworking at Senba Group shines brightly as they step toward innovative and ethical design solutions.