#Japan #Tokyo #Tokyo Bay #AMANE #Wonderwall

Wonderwall® Unveils the Design of ‘AMANE’ Cruise Ship

In a groundbreaking collaboration, Wonderwall®, led by esteemed interior designer Masamitsu Katayama, has been entrusted with the complete design of the new cruise ship ‘AMANE’, set to debut in Spring 2027. The ship is a successor to the beloved restaurant ship ‘LADY CRYSTAL’, which has served Tokyo Bay for over 36 years.

Reinterpreting Maritime Heritage

Founded in 1885, Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line) has been integral to Japan's maritime transport for nearly 140 years. With ‘AMANE’, Wonderwall® is starting from the rich history of passenger ship culture built by NYK. One primary inspiration was the former residence of Iwasaki Yataro's son, Iwasaki Kyuya, now a historic garden. Katayama, having visited this space multiple times, noticed how the house and garden create a harmonious spatial experience. This contemplation led to the concept of viewing Tokyo Bay as a garden, a floating home for passengers that combines traditional Japanese aesthetics with Western styles and technology.

A Collaborative Journey Experience

This project draws from the expertise of professionals from various fields to create an unprecedented cruising experience. Shinpei Terada from Tysons and Company has played an integral role since the project's inception, designing a seamless customer journey from the land lounges to the ship. The ship’s name, ‘AMANE’, which signifies ‘wide-reaching sound’, embodies a desire for connection through gentle voyages, harmonized with a calming musical representation in the logo crafted by Naomi Hirabayashi.

With a capacity of approximately 90 people, ‘AMANE’ will provide personalized services, including butler service for private rooms, ensuring guests feel attended to. NYK continues its tradition of exceptional hospitality by offering a French course dining experience that incorporates seasonal Japanese ingredients, all within an environment designed to feel like a home on the water.

Next-Gen Eco-Friendly Cruising

‘AMANE’ will feature Japan's first hydrogen fuel cell system, representing a hybrid electric vessel that significantly reduces vibrations, noise, and fuel odors compared to conventional ships. This design not only focuses on aesthetic beauty but also on the potential of next-generation energy and efforts toward decarbonizing maritime transport, enabling guests to experience an environmentally considerate cruise intimately.

Overview of the ‘AMANE’ Cruise Ship

• - Name: AMANE (meaning ‘ocean sound’)
• - Expected Launch: Spring 2027
• - Length: Approx. 48.0m
• - Width: Approx. 9.5m
• - Draft: Approx. 2.1m
• - Gross Tonnage: Approx. 480 tons
• - Capacity: About 90 (seated)
• - Client: Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha
• - Design Lead: Masamitsu Katayama (Wonderwall®)
• - Logo Design: Naomi Hirabayashi
• - Project Consulting: Shinpei Terada (Tysons and Company)
• - Construction: Maehata Shipbuilding Co., Ltd (Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture)

Distinctive Features of the ‘AMANE’ Design

1. Exterior: The design integrates the relationship between the interior and deck, creating a unified spatial experience that embraces the ship's inherent curves.
2. Docking: The dock's layout allows glimpses of the ship's private rooms before boarding, leading guests naturally to the interior while effectively capturing light.
3. 1F Hallway (Gallery): The corridor will feature five original works by artist Koji Yamaguchi, providing an artistic journey through the ship reminiscent of a home tour.
4. 1F Main Dining: Designed as the ship's central space, the main dining area incorporates modern elements of traditional Japanese architecture, ensuring adaptability for dining and events.
5. 2F Bar Lounge: Located at the stern, this lounge features open glass walls for enjoying the sea air and stunning views of Tokyo Bay.
6. 2F Private Rooms (Bow): Planned for optimal panoramic views of Tokyo Bay, these rooms create an atmosphere for seated dining as well as flexible use for events.
7. Private Rooms: Each equipped for six guests, these rooms provide direct access to the deck for an enhanced experience.
8. 3F Flying Deck: The flying deck is designed to offer guests the fullest experience of Tokyo Bay as a garden, integrating elements of wind, light, and expansive views, suitable for parties and receptions.

Wonderwall® continues to await the debut of ‘AMANE’, an exciting addition to Tokyo Bay's cruise offerings that promises exceptional design, immersive experiences, and a commitment to sustainability, setting new standards in luxury cruising.

Photo by Kazumi Kurigami

About Wonderwall® and Masamitsu Katayama

Masamitsu Katayama is an acclaimed interior designer and the founder of Wonderwall®. Honored as an emeritus professor at Musashino Art University, Katayama's work harmonizes innovative ideas with respect for tradition, recognized internationally through various high-profile projects across the globe.