Idea

In an era of mass production and homogenization, this project seeks to demonstrate that light can serve as a medium to convey emotion and culture in contemporary spaces, by applying traditional materials and techniques.

Kozo washi, which has been handed down for over 1,300 years, and the act of folding—deeply rooted in prayer and etiquette—are translated into product design, maintaining a balance between tradition and modernity, decoration and functionality.

Every step of production is carried out by skilled artisans, ensuring that each piece embodies both uniqueness and deep respect for cultural heritage.

Form

The structure visible on the surface of the “PWT-01” applies the principles of origami (traditional Japanese paper folding). Leveraging the material's lightness and strength, together with the structural stability of the folded form, the silhouette of layered paper produces a serene yet subtly shaded effect, harmonizing with contemporary spaces.

Inside, a compact LED bulb is employed, with a replaceable lightweight structure for easy maintenance and installation.

Each process is carried out entirely by the hands of artisans, yet the design, minimizing the number of parts, enables mass production while upholding traditional craftsmanship.

Function

The “PWT-01” is designed to provide a calm and comfortable lighting experience. The intricately folded washi structure diffuses light softly, reducing glare while creating subtle shadows that enrich interior spaces.

Its lightweight body allows for effortless installation, and the replaceable LED bulb ensures easy maintenance.

Furthermore, by minimizing the number of parts while preserving traditional craftsmanship, the design unites durability, practicality, and cultural depth in a single product, delivering a soft quality of light and reliable performance suited to everyday spaces.

Using hand-crafted washi, a technique passed down for 1,300 years, and applying origami’s geometric principles, creates a structure that is lightweight, stable, and visually striking.

Beyond its poetic play of light and shadow, the design minimizes components to preserve artisan skills while enabling mass production.

Balancing tradition and modernity, it carries cultural depth while blending into contemporary living spaces, embodying Sakuraiya Touguten Inc.’s vision of tradition and modern harmony.

Differentiation

The uniqueness of the “PWT-01” lies in its fusion of traditional Japanese craft with contemporary design.

Using hand-crafted washi, a technique passed down for 1,300 years, and applying origami’s geometric principles, creates a structure that is lightweight, stable, and visually striking.

Beyond its poetic play of light and shadow, the design minimizes components to preserve artisan skills while enabling mass production.

Balancing tradition and modernity, it carries cultural depth while blending into contemporary living spaces, embodying Sakuraiya Touguten Inc.’s vision of tradition and modern harmony.

Sustainability

The “PWT-01” incorporates sustainability into both its materials and production processes.

The main material, kozo, is a renewable natural fiber. By using hand-crafted washi produced through low-impact methods, it helps preserve over 1,300 years of craftsmanship and regional culture.

In its design, minimizing the number of components reduces waste and extends the product’s lifespan.

Socially and economically, it combines traditional techniques with contemporary design, and by connecting with today’s diverse markets, it generates value that supports regional industry and long-term business sustainability.

Philosophy

We integrate traditional techniques and materials that have been handed down through generations, transforming them into design through the lens of our own roots and experiences.

Heritage of the name

Our origin traces back to 1883 (Meiji 16) in Nihonbashi-Hamachō, Tokyo,
where our ancestors worked as mon-ire (crest painters) and dyers for stage costumes.

From the second generation, the family business operated under the name “Sakuraiya Kyozometen”,
producing not only stage attire but also festive garments and everyday clothing.

Though the workshop survived the war, it eventually became dormant as the fourth-generation head aged.

Today, we have inherited its name and spirit of craftsmanship —
reviving it as “Sakuraiya Touguten”,
a lighting atelier continuing that legacy through design.