Wajima lacquerware (Wajima-nuri), a traditional craft born in Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture, stands alongside Aizu lacquerware (Fukushima) and Kishu lacquerware (Wakayama) as one of Japan’s most esteemed lacquerware traditions, garnering high praise both domestically and internationally.
Renowned for its durability and elegance, Wajima lacquerware owes its exceptional strength and heat resistance to the high-quality soil found only in Wajima. Each piece undergoes over 100 meticulous production steps, crafted by highly skilled artisans, resulting in a stunning and refined finish.
In the Noto region, Wajima lacquerware has long been cherished for special occasions, such as festivals or family gatherings, where it is used to serve meals to visiting relatives. Its remarkable durability allows it to be passed down from parents to children, and even to grandchildren, making it a treasured heirloom.
Wajima Lacquerware in Contemporary Interior and Art Industries
In recent years, Wajima lacquerware has gained attention not only as a traditional craft but also as an art form suited to modern lifestyles. To adapt to evolving consumer preferences, artisans have begun crafting contemporary designs while preserving the essence of this historic technique.
A notable example of Wajima lacquerware’s increasing global recognition is former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s gift to former U.S. President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden—a coffee cup and ballpoint pen crafted by Taya Shikkiten, a prominent Wajima lacquerware workshop. Furthermore, a collaboration between Wajima lacquerware and a prestigious British royal warrant tableware brand has demonstrated its ability to transcend tradition and embrace innovation.
The Impact of the Noto Peninsula Earthquake
The devastating Noto Peninsula Earthquake, which struck last year, severely affected Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture. Wajima lacquerware was not spared—many workshops were damaged, forcing artisans to halt production and disrupting their livelihoods.
Even before the disaster, Japan’s traditional crafts faced a nationwide decline in skilled artisans. The earthquake further exacerbated the situation, leading to workshop closures and artisans leaving the region. However, thanks to the dedicated efforts of local governments, support organizations, and volunteers across Japan, recovery efforts were swiftly initiated. Just three months after the disaster, temporary workshops were set up, allowing artisans to resume their craft.
In addition, a volunteer organization launched a charity initiative, collecting Wajima lacquerware pieces that had to be relinquished due to the disaster. These items were sold through charity auctions, with all proceeds directed toward the revitalization of the Noto region.
Hopes for Recovery
One year after the Noto Peninsula Earthquake, the path to full recovery remains challenging. However, the resilience and unity of the Noto community continue to shine, reaffirming the deep ties among its people.
As part of GARDE’s 40th anniversary commemoration, we have incorporated Wajima lacquerware into the design of our commemorative wine stoppers—a small but meaningful step in supporting regional recovery and revitalization efforts.
We remain committed to preserving the beauty and heritage of Wajima lacquerware, and we wholeheartedly support the dedicated artisans who continue to safeguard and pass down this invaluable cultural tradition for future generations.
Comment from Taya Shikkiten
Wajima lacquerware has been designated as a National Important Intangible Cultural Property, with clearly defined manufacturing processes and materials. Based on the philosophy that high-quality lacquerware is achieved through the collaboration of skilled artisans specializing in each step of the finely divided production process, craftspeople work together to create a single masterpiece.
We believe that the smooth texture of natural lacquer, its visual elegance, and its durability surpass any other coating material in the world. We sincerely hope that those who hold our lacquerware in their hands can appreciate the profound beauty of this traditional art form.
This interview article, originally published in Forbes CAREER in 2023, has been reprinted in GARDE DESIGN MAGAZINE with permission from Editorial.
In this feature, GARDE President Muro and Project Manager Sato discuss the firm’s expertise in luxury brand design, sharing insights on the current landscape and future outlook of the industry.
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With over 40 years of history in architectural design, GARDE has left its mark on cities around the world. The firm has worked on a diverse range of projects, including luxury brand spaces that elevate urban landscapes, hotels that provide memorable moments with family and friends, department stores and boutiques that enhance the shopping experience, and cutting-edge office spaces designed with the latest methodologies. Some of these projects have transcended the realm of commercial facilities to become landmarks in their respective countries and regions.
When designing for luxury brands, GARDE excels in preserving brand value and concept while adapting to local cultures and customer preferences. This requires seamless collaboration between project managers who oversee operations, and local architects, who ensure compliance with domestic regulations. Their expertise is essential in achieving a harmonious integration of people, culture, and design.
As the world emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic and global mobility resumes, GARDE continues to push the boundaries of design excellence. We spoke with President Kenji Muro and Project Manager Kaede Sato about the company’s current initiatives and the qualities they seek in new talent.
Providing an Environment for Growth Through Challenges
Located in Omotesando, Minato-ku, Tokyo, a district where global luxury brands converge and attract tourists from around the world, GARDE’s office is perfectly positioned at the intersection of brand culture and people. This location reflects the company’s identity and mission. Since its founding in 1985, GARDE has been shaping both domestic and international design from its base in Omotesando for over 30 years.
At the helm of GARDE today is Kenji Muro, who specialized in spatial design at Musashino Art University before beginning his career as a designer at Mitsukoshi Department Store. He joined GARDE in 2010 and was appointed President in 2022.
When expanding into overseas markets, Muro developed a unique approach: rather than participating in competitions, he focuses on direct engagement with key decision-makers to secure new projects. This strategy stems from his extensive international experience, including time stationed in Hong Kong.
But why did Muro transition from a prestigious department store to a career focused on localizing luxury brands?
Kenji Muro, President & CEO of GARDE
“I left Mitsukoshi because I wanted to work on hotel and other design projects, expanding beyond department store design. At the same time, I felt a strong desire to challenge myself in a new environment and see how far my abilities could take me in my early 40s.
Since I had already been in contact with GARDE during my time at Mitsukoshi, I knew that the scale of the company would allow me to pursue the kind of projects I was passionate about. That confidence led me to make the decision to join GARDE.” (Muro)
Seated across from Muro, Kaede Sato, now in her sixth year at GARDE, listens attentively, nodding as she hears this reflection for the first time. Unlike Muro, her journey to GARDE began in an entirely different setting—during her studies in the United States:
“I majored in art while studying in the United States, and during my job search, GARDE was the only design firm participating in a career event for international students. Since my background wasn’t in architecture, I initially hesitated, wondering if it was the right fit. However, I was drawn to the opportunity to challenge myself on a global stage, so I took the leap and joined the company.
I had considered staying in the U.S., but American companies tend to hire candidates with more experience, whereas Japanese firms like GARDE actively recruit fresh graduates and provide on-the-job training. That structure suited me well at the time, making GARDE the right choice for my career.” (Sato)
Building Brand Loyalty Through Communication
Over the years, GARDE has been responsible for designing a wide range of retail spaces and commercial facilities, including BARNEY’S NEW YORK, Hankyu Umeda Department Store, and Ningbo Hankyu in China—an expansive 170,000m² department mall that opened in April 2021, featuring around 50 luxury brands. As previously mentioned, localizing luxury brands is one of GARDE’s key strengths. But what is the secret behind the company’s ability to consistently secure large-scale projects?
“Of the approximately 130 international brands operating in Japan, GARDE has worked on projects for around 80 of them. This number often surprises people, but we don’t have a secret formula. Ultimately, what luxury brands look for in localization is simple—whether we can faithfully reproduce and express their quality.
To achieve this, we engage in meticulous discussions with the brand’s global headquarters, repeating the process multiple times to ensure alignment. The key to this is communication. It’s about truly listening to their needs while also clearly articulating our own perspectives. Through this continuous dialogue, we build relationships where brands come to trust and even develop a fondness for us. I call this process ‘fan conversion.” (Muro)
Muro’s insight highlights GARDE’s strength—not just in selling design solutions, but in selling trust and relationships through unwavering commitment to communication. His emphasis on relationship-building is reflected in GARDE’s company culture, where collaboration and open dialogue create an environment that balances both comfort and intensity.
“I feel that communication is deeply ingrained in our company culture. GARDE is made up of highly skilled, craftsman-like professionals, but when it comes to work, we come together seamlessly. Discussions can get heated, of course, but rather than a strict top-down approach, we operate on a flat hierarchy—constantly engaging in deep conversations about how to enhance the brand’s value.” (Sato)
A Balance of Big-Picture Thinking and Attention to Detail – The Key to Each Role
As previously mentioned, Sato joined GARDE as a new graduate, and from the outset, she was hired as a project manager. Starting with assistant-level tasks, she gradually took on greater responsibilities as she gained experience.
Muro describes Sato as “the company’s mood maker,” and despite the challenges of her role, she reflects on her time at GARDE with enthusiasm:
“The work is demanding, but I can truly feel myself growing.” (Sato)
Kaede Sato, Project Maneger
Big-Picture Thinking and Attention to Detail – Key Traits for Each Role
As mentioned earlier, Kaede Sato joined GARDE as a new graduate and was immediately hired as a project manager. She started with assistant-level tasks and gradually took on larger responsibilities as she gained experience.
“A project manager’s role is to ensure smooth execution by breaking down the schedule and costs while maintaining an overarching view of the entire process. This means conducting meetings in English with overseas headquarters, traveling on-site to finalize details, and ensuring everything stays on track.
One of my most memorable projects was working on a luxury brand store in GINZA SIX. With limited time, we had to balance schedule and costs while maintaining design integrity. The sense of accomplishment from that experience is what continues to drive me forward today.” (Sato)
While project managers focus on overseeing the entire process, local architects play a different yet equally crucial role—adapting a luxury brand’s design standards and manuals to comply with Japanese laws and materials, ensuring proper execution throughout the construction phase.
“GARDE’s local architects are responsible for transforming the design outlines created by overseas brands into detailed drawings that comply with Japan’s regulations, making them suitable for bidding and construction. They must also continuously monitor the execution to ensure the design is realized correctly.
What is essential here is the ability to create high-precision drawings that faithfully reproduce the brand’s expected quality. This level of attention to detail requires a meticulous and highly focused mindset.” (Muro)
Turning Challenges into Motivation – The Power of a Positive Mindset
When considering the qualities GARDE looks for in talent, there are some differences between project managers and local architects, but strong communication skills and craftsmanship are key for both roles. Given the frequent negotiations with overseas luxury brands, language proficiency is also an important asset.
One might assume that thriving in such a high-profile industry requires a vast skill set. However, Muro believes that a strong “positive mindset” can open the door to success.
“In design work, it’s crucial to anticipate client needs and proactively propose ideas. This ultimately enhances client satisfaction. If you can turn challenges into motivation and maintain a positive outlook, you’ll be able to overcome most obstacles.
We’re looking for individuals with strong communication skills who can take initiative and actively engage in projects.
At the same time, we don’t leave skill development entirely up to the individual. We invest heavily in training, covering certification costs for design and construction management qualifications, and providing opportunities for overseas training ranging from a few weeks to a year, allowing employees to visit brand headquarters and gain firsthand experience.” (Muro)
Listening to Muro, Sato nods in agreement, reflecting on her own experiences at GARDE:
“Being involved in a project from start to finish means carrying a great deal of responsibility and pressure. However, there’s nothing more rewarding than bringing a globally recognized brand’s vision to life alongside my colleagues and seeing our work seamlessly integrated into people’s daily lives.
At GARDE, you get to build something from the ground up—a level of hands-on involvement that’s hard to experience at large corporations.” (Sato)
Beyond Design – Expanding into New Business Fields
While continuing to focus on its core expertise, GARDE is also expanding into three new business areas:
The Metaverse
Regional Revitalization
Art
Muro describes this shift as “non-design, non-interior work”, but in reality, the underlying goal remains the same—contributing to society through design.
As GARDE continues to push boundaries and explore new creative landscapes, one question remains: What kind of world will they create next?
With Muro, Sato, and the entire GARDE team dedicated to challenging the status quo, the possibilities are endless.
Written by: Kenji Yoshinaga Photography by: Ryo Komizu Edited by: Kana Honma Promoted by GARDE
Originally published in Forbes CAREER
Original article: Forbes Career
An exclusive interview with GARDE President Muro was featured in WWDJAPAN’s annual “CEO Special Issue”, published on January 27, 2025.
This year’s theme, “Possibilities,” explores reflections on 2024 and expectations for 2025. In the interview, President Muro discusses GARDE’s business developments, future prospects, and the company’s design philosophy. He also highlights the opening of a permanent art gallery in Chelsea, New York, one of the projects commemorating GARDE’s 40th anniversary.
The feature underscores GARDE’s expertise in luxury brand design, its commitment to innovation, and its vision for the future.
TOP PHOTO: Facade of “GOCA by Garde,” a contemporary art gallery in Chelsea, New York.
Becoming the Leading Firm in Luxury Brand Market Design in Japan
GARDE specializes in a broad range of spatial design and branding for department stores, hotels, offices, and more. Notably, in the fashion sector, GARDE has designed stores for over 80 international luxury brands, including those from the industry’s “big three” conglomerates.
GARDE’s ability to continuously expand its portfolio stems from the trust it has built with its clients.
When designing for luxury brands, we prioritize a client-first approach, focusing on elevating service quality. Through extensive discussions with both the Japan offices and global headquarters of our clients, we ensure that their exacting standards and levels of perfection are meticulously met.
Strong communication skills play a crucial role in this process. With a team proficient in both language and technical expertise, we are deeply committed to faithfully executing and expressing brand quality.
We believe that maintaining superior quality directly enhances brand identity and fosters trust between companies.
Design Aesthetics in Spatial Design
Japanese design is characterized by minimalism—where simplicity and precision are paramount.
In commercial spaces, excessive decoration can overshadow the products, which should remain the focal point of the environment. Similarly, in hotels, over-embellished interiors can feel overwhelming rather than relaxing. With long-term stays becoming more common, minimalistic spaces designed to put guests at ease are now more essential than ever.
Achieving minimalism while maintaining functionality is a significant challenge. Without technical expertise, a minimalist approach can risk appearing too simplistic or lacking substance. However, at GARDE, our experienced designers continuously refine their skills, ensuring that minimalism is executed with sophistication and precision—turning it into our greatest strength.
GARDE is currently leading the interior and exterior design for the renovation of the Seibu Ikebukuro flagship store, set to reopen in 2025. As a former specialist in department store design, President Muro brings extensive expertise in retail remodeling and store openings. By leveraging GARDE’s distinctive strengths, we aim to transform this project into a benchmark for architectural and spatial excellence.
Prospects for 2025: Human Resources and Environmental Investment
In the field of spatial design, we are set to unveil a large-scale business project that has been in development for many years. On the brand side, we anticipate the ongoing trend toward larger retail spaces to continue, just as it has over the past 24 years. As a result, the number of branded stores that GARDE collaborates with is expected to grow even further.
Through these projects, we aim to enhance the company’s visibility, invest in talent and the working environment, and strengthen our appeal as a desirable workplace—especially in light of the increasing shortage of skilled professionals.
Specifically, we plan to further reinforce existing initiatives such as design study sessions, which serve as platforms for sharing skills and expertise, and training programs in business-related languages to support professional development.
In Conclusion
This issue of WWDJAPAN provides a retrospective on 2024 and also features the latest updates on our art business, which we were unable to cover in this article.
For more details, please visit the following link: WWDJAPAN – CEO Special Issue
From December 11 to 13, 2024, the “9th JAPAN BUILD TOKYO – Advanced Architectural Technology Expo” was held at Tokyo Big Sight. This exhibition, divided into eight zones—“High-Performance Building Materials & Housing Equipment Expo,” “Real Estate Tech Expo,” “Smart House Expo,” “Smart Building Expo,” “Building Renovation Expo,” “Construction DX Expo,” “Commercial Facility & Store DX Expo,” and “Building Decarbonization Expo”—is one of Japan’s largest specialized trade shows showcasing the latest technologies and products in the architecture, construction, and real estate industries.
The Fusion of GX Solutions and Architecture to Support Decarbonization
“Green Transformation” (GX), a key theme for the construction industry aiming to transition to a decarbonized society, was prominently featured. Numerous products focusing on improving energy efficiency, such as solar power systems, energy storage batteries, and energy-efficient air conditioning systems, were on display. Companies showcased their unique technologies and examples, including solar panels designed to resemble roof tiles, emphasizing not only functionality but also the importance of design in the architectural market.
40 Seminars Covering the Industry’s Cutting Edge
During the exhibition, 40 seminars were held, featuring key players at the forefront of the construction industry, researchers, policymakers, companies, and specialists. These seminars covered a broad range of topics, from explanations of the latest industry trends and regulatory changes to promising technological solutions and practical case studies.
Highlighted sessions included a presentation by Shugo Yadomoto, Deputy Director-General of the Housing Bureau at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, titled “Current Considerations on the Calculation and Evaluation of Lifecycle CO2 in Buildings”, tailored to the construction industry. Another notable lecture, aimed at the real estate sector, was by Takeshi Natsuhara, the creator behind the original concept of the drama “Shoujiki Fudousan” (Honest Real Estate), titled “The Future of Real Estate Companies: Insights from the Creator of ‘Shoujiki Fudousan’”. These seminars provided participants with valuable insights into the latest industry developments, their implications for businesses, and the envisioned future for the construction and real estate industries in achieving a decarbonized society.
Looking Ahead with Optimism
The 9th JAPAN BUILD TOKYO provided a cutting-edge platform for exploring solutions to the challenges faced by the construction, architecture, and real estate industries. It showcased the latest technologies and ideas for shaping the industry’s future.
At GARDE, we are committed to incorporating future-oriented initiatives into our spatial design projects, tailored to the needs of our clients. By maintaining design quality while creating sustainable spaces, we aim to continue delivering exceptional design solutions.
Event Details
Event: The 9th JAPAN BUILD TOKYO – Advanced Architectural Technology Expo Date: December 11 (Wed)–13 (Fri), 2024, 10:00–18:00 (closes at 17:00 on the final day) Venue: Tokyo Big Sight Organizer: RX Japan Co., Ltd. – JAPAN BUILD Exhibition Office URL:https://www.japan-build.jp/hub/ja-jp.html
On November 20 and 21, 2024, “BAMBOO EXPO 22” was held at the Tokyo Metropolitan Industrial Trade Center, Hamamatsucho, drawing attention from many industry professionals as a venue to experience the latest trends in commercial space design. The event showcased a wide range of items and services, including interior and exterior materials, construction materials, lighting, sound, art, signage, greenery, furniture, and water-related items. Below is an overview of the event.
The Evolution and Creativity of Glass
Glass possesses many qualities, such as transparency, hardness, and versatility in processing. In this exhibition, 13 companies showcased various types of glass and processing technologies, highlighting the potential and appeal of glass materials. Some of the exhibits included works that combined traditional craftsmanship with the latest technology, as well as recycled glass products focused on sustainability. These displays emphasized the endless possibilities of glass as a material.
Visitors could experience firsthand how the “transparency” and “light-manipulating” qualities of glass materials affect space design, offering both a visual and tactile experience.
Eco-Materials: The Potential of Sustainable Materials
In recent years, reducing environmental impact has become an important theme in architecture and interior design. The materials currently drawing the most attention from architects and interior designers are “eco-materials.”
At BAMBOO EXPO 22, numerous eco-materials were exhibited, all developed with sustainable perspectives, including materials made from recycled waste and those produced with environmental considerations in the manufacturing process.
Atsugi Glass Studio Co., Ltd.
At the exhibition booth, five companies showcased their materials, each passionately conveying the unique characteristics and underlying stories to the attendees. They effectively communicated the potential of their innovative eco-materials, highlighting how they balance design excellence with environmental considerations.
FES Inc.
Harada Sakan Co., Ltd.
Fusion of Tradition and Innovation: “Echizen Washi”
As part of a special exhibition, “Echizen Washi,” a traditional craft from Fukui in the Hokuriku region, was showcased. With a long and storied history, Echizen Washi remains a celebrated traditional craft while also being widely utilized in contemporary design due to its unique properties.
Notably, its translucency and soft light diffusion have made it a sought-after material in commercial space design, where it contributes a distinctive aesthetic appeal. As an environmentally friendly and sustainable material with high design flexibility, it finds applications not only in Japandi-style interiors but also in creating luxurious spaces.
At the event, craftspeople from Echizen Washi studios were present to provide hands-on explanations of the material’s allure and its applications. This direct interaction offered attendees a rare opportunity to witness how traditional techniques are integrated into modern design, creating new value and possibilities.
Special Feature: Hokuriku/Fukui Material Center – Echizen Washi Edition
Special Feature: Hokuriku/Fukui Material Center – Echizen Washi Edition
Conclusion
BAMBOO EXPO offered not only an opportunity to experience the latest trends in commercial space design but also a glimpse into its future potential. Packed with inspiration and discoveries, this event is a must-visit for anyone interested in design, craftsmanship, or environmental sustainability. The next “BAMBOO EXPO 23” is scheduled for May 2025. This platform, leading the future of commercial space design, promises new surprises and excitement. Why not take this opportunity to visit and experience it for yourself?
