Integration of Taiwanese and Japanese Aesthetics

The site of Shijimaru conveyor belt sushi restaurant was originally a Japanese-style building that has been idle for years. The designer upholds the concept of “handling complexity by simplicity” and interprets cultural sustainability. Showing the beauty of the old building through reinforcement methods to stabilize the structure. The building exterior draws the local landscape, using wooden louvers to embody the image of mountain and forest culture, thereby exploring the harmonious symbiosis between human and nature, the delicate light and shadow, and the Japanese “shaded” thinking aesthetic. The receptionist is composed by sushi plates showing the characteristics of the conveyor belt sushi, and the dining area is decorated with Japanese taiko drums. The space with a smooth circulation is planned with a pre-dining area, seating area, private box and kitchen, and the rooms are divided with a semitransparent material with wooden louvers and different shapes of lanterns, giving an open visual experience. The designer used the work of the Ukiyo-e “the Kanagawa Surfing” throughout the room, the waves reflects the cultural background of Japanese cuisine and make people feel like they are in the sea to enjoy the deliciousness; sitting inside the private box brings out the glorious feeling of the Edo period. Subverting the conveyor belt sushi dining style, the designer uses a double track design to meet the diverse needs, and specially plans the Itabasahi area in order to narrow the distance between the chefs and the guests, giving a rich and wonderful experience.