The Passion of Kumiko Artisans in Happoen's Lobby Transformation Project

Happoen, a comprehensive production company based in Minato, Tokyo, is currently undertaking a rebranding project that includes the renovation of its entire facility. From February to the end of September 2025, the venue will temporarily close for these renovations, with a grand reopening scheduled for October 2025. This project aims to create a main lobby that embodies the theme of "Japanese aesthetics in a concentrated form." The lobby will significantly transform, merging Okayama's traditional Kumiko woodwork with the serene landscape of Happoen's garden.

At Happoen, the craftsmanship that goes into creating towering 4-meter Kumiko artwork will be showcased on the official YouTube channel. The second installment of this series sheds light on the passion of Masato Kinoshita, a Kumiko craftsman, who dedicates his life to this intricate art. More content highlighting the creation process of decorations in the main lobby will be released leading up to the grand opening.

Watch the Video

- Renewal Movie #02: Masato Kinoshita's Passion for Kumiko
- Discover more on Happoen's Note: Story Related to the Video

Renovation Progress: Main Lobby to embody "Japanese Aesthetic Concentration"

Happoen Group emphasizes "sustainability-driven management" and aims to realize its purpose of "Making Japan Beautiful" through collaborative cultural activities. The main lobby will combine traditional Japanese Kumiko art with Sumi-e ink painting, a form of traditional artistry. The remarkable masterpieces of Sumi-e artist Shun Kobayashi, depicting natural elements such as the moon, pine trees, and sun—integral parts of Happoen's garden—will beautifully intertwine with the Kumiko crafted by Masato Kinoshita, a century-old craftsman from Okayama City.

The main lobby will showcase Kumiko that reaches about 4 meters in height, enveloping the space and exemplifying the concept of "Japanese aesthetics in a concentrated form."

Currently, the official YouTube channel of Happoen provides a window into the meticulous creation of this complex wooden art. Following the first installment, the second video explores the deep devotion that Kinoshita has towards Kumiko art after 40 years of practice.

Overcoming Difficulties: Kinoshita's Journey with Kumiko

"Kumiko" refers to a traditional Japanese woodworking technique that was introduced during the Asuka period along with Buddhism. This unique method does not use nails, allowing intricately designed wooden pieces to be assembled accurately, resulting in splendid artistic expressions.

Masato Kinoshita, born into a family of craftsmen in Okayama, was captivated by the beauty of Kumiko during his training at a workshop in Tochigi Prefecture. After eight years of hard work, he established his own workshop but faced numerous challenges, including the decline in sales due to changes in living environments from traditional to modern styles. Despite these adversities, Kinoshita continued to explore and innovate, leading to the creation of his new flagship product, "Kumiko Lampshade," which transforms spaces into magical realms through the light that filters through Kumiko.

A Mission to Spread Kinoshita's Beliefs

Kinoshita, who finds his greatest joy in customer's satisfaction, shared his emotional commitment with Happoen staff. Many employees were moved to tears after visiting his workshop, reinforcing their mission to convey Kinoshita's passion to a broader audience.

The culmination of this effort will be visible in the decor of the main lobby, which has been infused with the dreams and emotions of both Kinoshita and Happoen staff. They anticipate the completion of this exquisite Kumiko decoration with great excitement.

Future Revelations and the Journey Ahead

As Happoen approaches its grand reopening in October 2025, the main lobby will transform to foster a closer relationship between the Japanese garden and the architecture. Future videos and stories documenting the creation process will continue to be shared on Happoen's Note and YouTube, inviting everyone to join in this cultural journey.

- Renewal Movie #01

About Happoen

Happoen is a multifaceted company located in Shirokanedai, Tokyo, boasting a sprawling Japanese garden with a history extending back to the Edo period. It promotes cultural exchange through various services including weddings, banquet management, and MICE projects, aligning with its purpose of "Making Japan Beautiful" while protecting history and culture and showcasing Japan's unique charm to the world.

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