A Restaurant for Couples, by Couples

—What are the features of TABLE898?

Tomohiro Maruyama (hereinafter, Maruyama)When I was approached for this project, I wanted to create a restaurant where each couple at the table becomes the protagonist, and the time spent together as a couple becomes the artwork itself.




—What does the number 898 in the restaurant name signify?

MaruyamaThe number 898 originates from the optimal distance for couples to converse face-to-face, which was determined through empirical research from a psychological perspective by the "JT Rethink PROJECT" team, supporting the "Rethink Couple's Time" project. When planning a restaurant to make time for couples more valuable and wonderful, we thought it would be a good idea to focus on this distance of 898 millimeters. The table width is designed so that the distance between the two people is 898 millimeters when seated opposite each other. We want guests not only to enjoy their meal within a comfortable distance but also to experience this and spend wonderful time as a couple.



—In what ways can the theme of couples and the message directed towards couples be felt?

MaruyamaThe tableware and the dishes themselves are created based on the concept of "two become one," which is completed only by a couple. Some plates are designed as pairs, while others are served as individual rice bowls for each partner. One of the menu items combines seafood and mountain ingredients, where ingredients that would not normally meet become a single delicious dish through the application of care. We hope that through the food, guests will be reminded that the union of two people with different backgrounds and upbringings is itself a miracle, and leave with warm feelings.



—Please tell us about the dishes that will be served.

MaruyamaAlthough I could have conceived the menu myself as a chef, I decided to focus on overseeing the restaurant and asked my friend, Chef Atsushi Tanaka, to handle the menu development. His cuisine, served at his own restaurant in Paris, has received high acclaim worldwide; it is artistic, delicious, and visually stunning. I cast him because I expected that we would create a wonderful course menu by collaborating on the theme of couples.

—What were the key considerations when developing the menu in line with TABLE898's concept?

Atsushi Tanaka (hereinafter, Tanaka)My approach to creating the menu hasn't changed, but the theme of "couples" made it more challenging than usual. Mr. Maruyama provided many ideas, which was a great help, but ultimately, if it's not delicious, it's meaningless. Therefore, I prioritized taste and paid special attention to ingredient selection. I've adapted my signature dishes using seasonal ingredients unique to Japan, such as garland chrysanthemum and quince.

MaruyamaI wanted to incorporate Chef Tanaka's worldview while connecting it to the theme of couples. Therefore, I've primarily adapted his signature dishes from Paris for TABLE898. I believed that combining ingredients unique to Japan with Chef Tanaka's techniques would create extraordinary dishes. Also, Chef Tanaka places great importance on the colors in his food. Some dishes express concepts through color, so I hope guests will pay attention to that aspect as well.

TanakaOne of my signature dishes, which I call "Camouflage," features a striking green contrast. For this occasion, I plan to serve a version of it as a cold appetizer featuring fish, using high-quality New Zealand salmon. It's a dish that expresses, through color, how the love between a couple deepens and intensifies over time.



—You have produced many restaurants before. What was particularly memorable about this project?

MaruyamaThe process of curating how Chef Tanaka's menu would be presented with specific tableware was challenging but very enjoyable. The tableware is also almost entirely original, custom-made by artisans, so I am confident that the content is absolutely unique to TABLE898. Isn't the price of 7,000 yen per person reasonable? It's Chef Tanaka's first time serving food on this scale in Japan, despite being a popular chef who does pop-ups worldwide, so I believe that alone makes it worth visiting.

—What positive changes do you believe can arise from couples dining at TABLE898?

MaruyamaI hope they will enjoy a harmonious and happy time together. Just as the JT Rethink PROJECT advocates that changing one's perspective can change the world, I would be delighted if couples' relationships themselves evolve based on their experience at TABLE898. Couples tend to become too accustomed to each other over long periods together, but I want them to reaffirm that their meeting itself was wonderful and spend their time together happily with warm feelings.

TanakaAs couples spend more time together, they tend to dine out less frequently, and restaurant visits become reserved for special occasions like anniversaries. I would be happy if visiting TABLE898 could serve as an impetus for them to continue dining out together.








Research results that led to the restaurant name "898" for TABLE898:
https://jt-rethink.jp