#Japan #Musashimurayama #KOMA #Shigeki Matsuoka #rocking sofa

KOMA's Innovative Rocking Sofa

KOMA, a renowned Japanese furniture workshop based in Musashimurayama City, has recently launched its first rocking sofa. Founded by esteemed craftsman Shigeki Matsuoka, KOMA emphasizes a philosophy of furniture that lives in harmony with its owner, ensuring that each piece is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. The new rocking sofa blends traditional Japanese craftsmanship with modern design, making it a compelling addition to their portfolio.

A New Approach to Comfort

The rocking sofa stands out due to its unique design which adds a gentle rocking motion to the already acclaimed comfort that KOMA's chairs are known for. Matsuoka shares his journey of creation, noting that while he had previously crafted rocking chairs, he could not find the right purpose for them until now. The essence of a rocking motion seemed problematic in typical chair design where every angle and dimension is meticulously calculated for optimal support. However, he realized that if the piece was a sofa, one could fully lean back, establishing a serene connection with the rocking motion.

The Craftsmanship Process

Creating this rocking sofa involved meticulous adjustments. The designers experimented with the curvature of the legs, altering angles and positions multiple times to find the perfect balance. The aim was to ensure it would cradle the body comfortably while also providing a secure feeling, incorporating smart design elements like a stopper for safety during use. The result is a sofa that not only offers an inviting place to relax but also inspires feelings of warmth and tranquility, evoking scenes of a child being cradled or an elder weaving on a cozy evening.

Aiming for Timelessness

Matsuoka's vision for this rocking sofa was to create a piece that transcends time, evoking a sense of connection across generations – a truly ‘lifelong piece of furniture.’ Each sofa undergoes a thoughtful creation process where form follows the inherent beauty of the human body. As Matsuoka describes, stripping away unnecessary elements leads to a design that feels right and naturally resonates with the user. His approach combines craftsmanship with a deep understanding of human experience.

The Philosophy of KOMA

KOMA was established in 2003, focusing on creating unique pieces that reflect the beauty of traditional craftsmanship. They maintain a small team of about 20 artisans to ensure quality and commitment to excellence. Their creations have been honored with numerous prestigious design awards, highlighting their global impact and commitment to showcasing the artistry of Japanese furniture design.

Explore KOMA's Offerings

KOMA proudly displays its furniture at their flagship stores in Suginami and Aoyama, where visitors can experience the quality firsthand. Both locations are designed to be welcoming spaces that encourage intimate interactions with the pieces.

KOMA continues to innovate while staying true to its roots, and the rocking sofa is a testament to their commitment to creating timeless furniture that not only serves a functional purpose but also tells a story of craftsmanship and care. With every piece, KOMA strives to create lasting relationships between furniture and its owners, ensuring that each item becomes a beloved, enduring part of life’s moments.