KEIJI ASHIZAWA DESIGN

Masu is the name given to a traditional cup used for drinking sake - a symbol of Japan's rich culture and history. With its unconventional cubic shape and wooden material, the Masu cup completely deviates from the norm. Unexpected and filled with possibilities, it is our endless source of inspiration to create our very own Masu.


The story began from an Instagram message back in May 2020 - the owner asking Keiji Ashizawa about Japanese furniture. Through the messages, back and forth, the owner (who loves Japanese culture, design and food) commissioned Keiji Ashizawa Design to become the lead architect for a new Japanese restaurant opening in Hanoi at the end of 2020. Together with local architects, Keiji Ashizawa Design aimed to create a Japanese restaurant with a minimal yet welcoming design.


Our inspiration for Masu's architectural design came from the traditional Japanese townhouse ‘Machiya’, which features a distinct facade of wooden louvres that provide both privacy and visual impact. Clean, sleek lines throughout the space bring a muted elegance and sophistication. We added details of wood overlays as a nod to the design of the wooden Masu cup, our namesake. We used minimalism as the foundation for an inspired contemporary design.