#Japan #Creative Space #Good Design Award #Mori to #Piano to #Fuji-mimachi

Unlocking Creativity: The Forest Atelier 'Mori to, Piano to'

A unique art space located in Fuji-mimachi, Nagano, 'Mori to, Piano to' offers an experience unlike any other, allowing individuals to reconnect with their innermost selves in a tranquil forest setting. Operated by Towa-Iro Co., Ltd., this atelier is designed to provide a personal and immersive environment where visitors can dive into self-expression through art, music, and color. The studio on_site takes care of the architectural design, while Kotobito Co., Ltd. handles the production of this remarkable project.

In this fast-paced digital age, where distractions abound, 'Mori to, Piano to' serves as a refuge, inviting guests to take a step back from their busy lives and engage in creative introspection. The establishment was recently recognized for its outstanding design promoting creative experiences, winning the prestigious Good Design Award for the year 2025 out of more than 5,000 submissions.

Moreover, renowned architect Hiroshi Nishimura selected 'Mori to, Piano to' as his personal favorite design piece, a distinction that highlights its profound impact. Starting from October 15, 2025, this award-winning atelier will be showcased at the GOOD DESIGN Marunouchi exhibition, alongside a talk series by the Good Design Award committee.

'The Essence of Creation' – A Focus of the Award

Hiroshi Nishimura, in his commentary on selecting this remarkable design, expressed the importance of sincerity and honesty in one’s creative process amidst the overwhelming alienation of contemporary life. He noted how this project exemplifies the essence of creation itself:

“After the secondary screening for the Good Design Award, I embarked on another ‘quest for exquisite pieces.’ Overwhelmed by the surge of information and heavily fortified presentations, I was unexpectedly captivated by this work. Regardless of societal norms or external expectations, the foundation of creation lies in being true to one’s own heart, which might just be the very meaning of life.”

Exhibition Information: 'My Selected Piece 2025'

The venue will host a popular exhibition titled 'My Selected Piece 2025,' showcasing the favorite designs of the award's judging panel. During the first phase of the exhibition, themed 'Excitement,' 'Mori to, Piano to' will be featured for two weeks.

• - Exhibition Name: My Selected Piece 2025, Good Design Award Jury Selection
• - Display Period: October 15, 2025 - October 27, 2025
• - Location: GOOD DESIGN Marunouchi, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo

Additionally, from November 1, 2025, 'Mori to, Piano to' will have a special corner in the 'Good Design Award Exhibition' at Tokyo Midtown.

Official Talk Event Series: The First Edition

Scheduled as the inaugural event for the 'My Selected Piece' series of official talks hosted by the Good Design Award, this project is chosen to delve deeper into the topic of why 'inefficient' and 'personalized' approaches can thrive in today’s AI-driven era.

• - Theme: 'Slowly, Carefully, and Ultra-Personally' – Thoughts on Non-Scalable Production in the AI Age
• - Date: October 18, 2025, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
• - Venue: GOOD DESIGN Marunouchi
• - Speakers: Haruka Hirose (Creator), Tomo Ishijima (Producer)
• - Moderator: Tsukasa Yoshimura
• - YouTube Live: Watch here
• - Event Details: More info

'Mori to, Piano to' – A Space for Self-Discovery

'Mori to, Piano to' is not just an art studio; it is a sanctuary for individuals to explore their creativity deeply. It encourages guests to engage in a range of artistic activities such as music, painting, and storytelling. By allowing themselves the freedom to express without the burden of daily roles or scrutiny, they rediscover their authentic selves.

In the 'Sound Room,' visitors can immerse themselves in the ambient sounds of nature while freely playing instruments. The 'Color Room' provides an array of canvases and art supplies for guests to unleash their creativity.

Project Team

Towa-Iro Co., Ltd. (Location: Fuji-mimachi, Nagano, CEO: Haruka Hirose) is the founding organization behind the vision of this project, centered around enriching life experiences.
studio on_site (Location: Shiga Prefecture, CEO: Hiroshi Ohno) focuses on creating architecture that harmonizes with nature and fosters creativity.
Kotobito Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chino City, Nagano, CEO: Tomo Ishijima) emphasizes supporting challengers' aspirations and creating new value-based experiences through cultural production.