Opened in February 2019 in Nihonbashi, Hamacho, is "HAMACHO HOTEL." On the second floor of this hotel lies a unique guest room, "TOKYO CRAFT ROOM," which continuously evolves. World-renowned designers visit Japanese craftspeople, conducting multifaceted research into the land, history, techniques, and materials, before collaborating with them. The completed items are unveiled in this room, and as they are utilized to compose the space, the room's appearance gradually transforms. Now, Sweden's representative design studio "Claesson Koivisto Rune" (hereafter, CKR) joins "TOKYO CRAFT ROOM." Its full scope will be revealed on October 16th.

"TOKYO CRAFT ROOM" began in 2019 with the aim of curating the value of craft within a hotel room and weaving it into the future.

Under the direction of Mr. Teruhiro Yanagihara, two collaborations between world-class designers and Japanese craftspeople have been realized to date.

Initially, it was the Amsterdam-based design studio "De Intuïtiefabriek" and "SOMA," led by woodworker Masaru Kawai from Kani, Gifu Prefecture.

The second collaboration featured Ingegerd Raman, known as Sweden's foremost glass and ceramic designer, and "Kōransha," a renowned kiln in Arita.

The products born from each collaboration, while showcasing their own unique appeal, have become an integral part of "TOKYO CRAFT ROOM" today.

Participating in the third installment of the project is the Swedish design studio "Claesson Koivisto Rune," known by the moniker "CKR."

Currently, a collaborative creation is underway with Mr. Yuji Takahashi of "Sashimonokagu Takahashi," based in Kumano Town, Hiroshima Prefecture. Ulla Rune of CKR reportedly stayed at "TOKYO CRAFT ROOM" and imagined the necessities for spending time in the space.

CKR proposed designs for a table, bench, and stool, leveraging Mr. Takahashi's expertise, which is rooted in the sophisticated "Sashimono" wood joinery technique but also encompasses experience in Western furniture making.

Both parties are working towards the unveiling on Wednesday, October 16, 2019.

The "TOKYO CRAFT ROOM" website introduces the project, divided into three stages: "Research Trip," "Design Process," and "Production."

We look forward to seeing what forms will emerge from the intensive time and mutual understanding between CKR and Mr. Takahashi. Let's build anticipation while exploring the website.