Aito-denkimochiten Japanese Sweets Shop

Aito-denkimochiten Japanese Sweets Shop 

SPEC

Aito-denkimochiten Japanese Sweets Shop
© Kenta Hasegawa
Aito-denkimochiten Japanese Sweets Shop
© Kenta Hasegawa

ARCHITECTS
Spec

PROGRAM / USE / BUILDING FUNCTION
Japanese Sweets Shop

LEAD ARCHITECTS
Motoki Ishii

MANUFACTURERS
K Light Studio

PHOTOGRAPHS
Kenta Hasegawa

AREA
64 M²

YEAR
2023

LOCATION
Shibuya City, Japan

CATEGORY
Restaurants & Bars, Store

Aito-denkimochiten Japanese Sweets Shop
© Kenta Hasegawa

Daifuku is a traditional Japanese confectionery. At Aito-Denkimochiten, their special Daifuku is made from mochi rice cakes using the same method used 100 years ago, without any additives or preservatives, and they have been selling it at the same location.

They are considered fresh for only five hours, and the amazingly soft mochi is filled with a delicate, feather-light red bean paste.

Aito-denkimochiten Japanese Sweets Shop
© Kenta Hasegawa
Aito-denkimochiten Japanese Sweets Shop
© Kenta Hasegawa

In order to emphasize the delicacy and beauty of Daifuku, the sales space is devoid of unnecessary decorations and contains only the minimum necessary functions.

Daifuku are individually wrapped by hand, not by machine. Therefore, each Daifuku has a slightly different appearance, and the warmth of human hands can be felt.

Aito-denkimochiten Japanese Sweets Shop
© Kenta Hasegawa
Aito-denkimochiten Japanese Sweets Shop
© Kenta Hasegawa

The counter where Daifuku is displayed was not designed to be cold and orderly but rather to be linked to the warmth of Daifuku.

The counter has an organic round shape, and the top panel has exposed metal fittings that are usually hidden on the backside.

Aito-denkimochiten Japanese Sweets Shop
© Kenta Hasegawa
Aito-denkimochiten Japanese Sweets Shop
© Kenta Hasegawa

The traces of human handiwork, combined with the soft white grain of the wood, synchronize with the Daifuku and enhance its attractiveness.

Next to the sales space is a workshop for wrapping Daifuku, facing the street. Lace fabric with round holes is layered across the glass, framed like a picture frame, and the center circle subtly visualizes the movement of people in the room, making the presence of the craftsmen felt by passersby.

Aito-denkimochiten Japanese Sweets Shop
© Kenta Hasegawa
Aito-denkimochiten Japanese Sweets Shop
© Kenta Hasegawa

Each cut surface of the cut fabric is wavy in its own way, forming a unique expression that transcends calculation.

By giving traces of handiwork and human warmth to the minimalist white canvas, the spatial composition was appropriate for the placement of Daifuku, which has been meticulously selected.

Aito-denkimochiten Japanese Sweets Shop
© Kenta Hasegawa


Aito-denkimochiten Japanese Sweets Shop
Plan