A noren drapes gracefully at the entrance of Karimoku Commons Tokyo, signaling a transformative journey into Oyado MAS. Conceived by MAS, Karimoku’s design label, and spatial director Wataru Kumano, this exhibition, known as the “Japanese inn experience,” blurs the lines between a showroom and a nostalgic Japanese inn. Running from September 19 to October 20 at the Aoyama venue, the installation invites visitors to wander through spaces reminiscent of traditional inn settings—reception, lounge, and sleeping area—each featuring MAS’s iconic furniture.
Kumano intentionally opts for the intimacy of an oyado rather than the typical hotel ambiance. This choice evokes a cherished cultural slowness absent in global hotel chains. The design distills the essence of a Japanese inn, inviting visitors to savor subtle moments—reading under soft morning light or sipping tea by a low table. The furniture asserts its presence through practical interaction rather than static exhibition, emphasizing the importance of furniture design in creating an authentic experience.
To explore more on Japanese design, Discover Japanese Art of Everyday Luxury, offering thoughtful design gifts that showcase cultural elegance.
The Artistry in Materials and Collaboration at the Exhibition
MAS employs Japanese-grown woods, celebrating the authenticity of visible grains, knots, and tonal variations. Unlike conventional showrooms that polish surfaces to perfection, the display embraces these natural characteristics, enhancing the sensory experience of the wood’s origin.
Collaborations enrich this atmosphere further. New Light Pottery provides ambient lighting, while Nao Tesuki Washi contributes hand-crafted paper elements. A bespoke fragrance by MAS and Sheep infuses the space with forest aromas, harmonizing with the tactile and visual senses. Visitors can enjoy tea brewed from forest plants, blending touch, scent, and ritual into the immersive experience.
Rethinking the Retail Experience at the Showcase
Among the showcased items available for purchase are the WK Stool by MAS and a crafted spoon by Sekisaka, alongside a unique MAS fragrance. Yet, the exhibition transcends mere commercial objectives. It presents an argument through sequence—how furniture’s truth emerges amidst lived experiences rather than isolated showroom displays.
The integration of traditional elements also features in Studio HYAN’s Revitalized Japanese Home, melding open design with natural aesthetics.
The noren at the entrance subtly marks the shift from conventional retail logic to an inviting, contemplative environment. Here, at the showcase, the nuances of scale, spatial relationships, and the textures of Japanese craftsmanship unfold through movement. It’s a lesson in experiencing design that typical showrooms seldom offer. Oyado MAS invites its patrons Tuesday through Saturday, 13:00 to 18:00, until its closure on October 20, 2023. Discover it in the heart of Aoyama at Karimoku Commons Tokyo.
Source: yankodesign.com
Frequently asked questions
What is the Oyado MAS exhibition?
The Oyado MAS exhibition is an installation at Karimoku Commons Tokyo, designed by MAS and spatial director Wataru Kumano. It’s a ‘Japanese inn experience’ that blends a showroom with nostalgic Japanese inn settings.
What materials are used in the Oyado MAS installation?
The installation uses Japanese-grown woods that celebrate the authenticity of visible grains, knots, and tonal variations. The exhibition embraces these natural characteristics to enhance the sensory experience of the wood’s origin.
When can visitors attend the Oyado MAS exhibition?
Visitors can attend the Oyado MAS exhibition from September 19 to October 20, 2023. It is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 13:00 to 18:00, at Karimoku Commons Tokyo.