Feature: Creators Behind Cafe 'ON THE CORNER' - Part 4: An Interview with Kunichi Nomura of tripster inc.

Creators Behind the Cafe "ON THE CORNER"

Feature: Vol. 4 - An Interview with Kunichi Nomura of tripster inc.

This July sees the opening of two new establishments: the art lounge "SUNDAY ISSUE" in Shibuya on July 15th, and the cafe "ON THE CORNER" on July 24th. Over five installments, we will feature the voices of the people involved in creating these spaces. In this fourth installment, we speak with Kunichi Nomura of tripster inc., who was responsible for the interior design of the cafe "ON THE CORNER," the rare co-working space "partyground" in Japan, and its operating company, partycompany Inc.

Text & Photo by SASAKI Naoyuki

The Key is Designing Spaces Where Customers Can Be the Protagonists

Kunichi Nomura gained widespread recognition after traveling the world as a student, opening the beach house "sputnik" in Tsujido, Shonan, and in 2000, planning and editing the magazine "SPUTNIK: whole life catalogue." Today, he is active in various fields, including magazine planning, editing, and writing, corporate branding and art direction, art production, and the design of shops and offices. This marks his second collaboration with partycompany Inc., following the restaurant "iri" in Yoyogi-Uehara.

Kunichi Nomura

—What kind of work are you involved in now?

At tripster inc., we mainly handle the design and interiors of shops, offices, and exhibitions. Personally, I conceive magazine features and handle corporate branding, among other things. What remains consistent is that I only take on work I find enjoyable. I'm always thinking about how to share things I find interesting with a wider audience and how to communicate them effectively. People often ask me what my main profession is, but everything I do is my main profession.

—What were your considerations for the office design this time?

This time, I was in charge of both the partycompany Inc. office and the co-working space "partyground." The common theme was to create as open an atmosphere as possible. However, an open office can have drawbacks. Being visible from all directions can make it difficult to concentrate on work, and things that should not be seen might become visible. Therefore, zoning – deciding where and how to partition spaces – was crucial. We also meticulously addressed aspects like ensuring scalability and security, and determining the necessary space per person.

Shared desk space at the co-working space "partyground"

—What about the cafe "ON THE CORNER"?

During our discussions, we talked about how it would be great if it could become an open "neighborhood diner" that takes advantage of its corner location. We wanted it to be a welcoming place for not only young people but also for older customers and families with children. We didn't want it to feel too exclusive. As is always the case with our work, we don't create flashy designs that chase trends. Even as a customer, I wouldn't feel comfortable in such a place. In other countries, good establishments don't necessarily do anything particularly unusual. Their very reason for existence is being loved by customers and enduring over time.

—So, design isn't about making a statement.

In the case of cafes and restaurants, it's actually the customers who create the atmosphere, not the establishment itself. Therefore, the most important thing is to provide service with the goal of making customers happy and relaxed. Design and architecture serve to support that. That's why I never actively promote my own work. In magazine features, ordinary people don't care who planned or shot it, do they? The only motivation for a customer to choose a place is whether it's interesting to them. Of course, it is gratifying when friends say, "Oh, tripster inc. designed that place? It's a great spot."

The next installment, Vol. 4, is scheduled for release on Friday, July 30th. Stay tuned!

"partyground": A Co-working Space Equipped with All Necessary Business Elements

Introducing "partyground," a co-working space that offers a new work style, conveniently located just a 0-minute walk from Exit 13, directly connected to the Shibuya Station concourse. This workspace features an open, symmetrical design with a natural, clean color palette that avoids feeling oppressive. It's a space where individuals can concentrate on their work while remaining aware of each other's presence. On the same floor is the art lounge "SUNDAY ISSUE," and downstairs is the cafe "ON THE CORNER." The convenience of having these spaces nearby for breaks and meetings is another significant appeal.

Co-working Space Overview
Name: partyground
1-17-1, Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Mitake Nomura Bldg. 2F
http://www.partygrd.com/
Completion: March 1962 / Renovation: Mid-June 2010
Scale/Structure: 2nd floor of a 10-story building with 1 basement level, SRC structure
Area: Approx. 42 tsubo of the co-working space within the entire 2nd floor (100 tsubo)
Seating: 20 fixed seats / 10 open desks
Rent: Fixed seats from ¥50,000 / Open desks ¥25,000

Art Lounge "SUNDAY ISSUE"

"SUNDAY ISSUE"
2F, Mitake Nomura Bldg., 1-17-1 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel. 03-3797-1288
Hours: 13:00–24:00 (L.O. 23:00) (Tues-Fri)
12:00–19:00 (Sat, Sun, Holidays)
Closed Mondays
http://www.sunday-issue.com/

"ON THE CORNER"
1F, Mitake Nomura Bldg., 1-17-1 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel. 03-6427-7273 (from Saturday, July 24th)
Hours: 9:00–02:00 (L.O. 01:00)
http://onthecorner-shibuya.com/