Ingrained Scenes of Childhood

Under the concept of “We value Japanese trees,” the store sells study desks and sundries for children, made of natural Japanese cypress and cedar. The trees were planted about 60 years ago, but with economic development, the use of domestic wood has decreased. The forests have been left neglected and the mountains are becoming barren as fewer people are clearing undergrowth and thinning trees. XYL has been making study desks for children using these trees in order to protect the growth cycle of the forests. The company has obtained FSC partial project certification, an international standard to confirm that the forest is being managed to maintain biological diversity and benefit local people and workers. XYL is the first furniture company to achieve this certification. When we saw the site from the street, we were inspired by the narrow and deep frontage to create a space that invites curiosity. We imagined a tunnel-like structure that draws people in, making them feel a pull to explore further. The main structure features solid Tenryu cedar panels spaced 520mm apart, with horizontal panels serving as shelves, connecting the vertical ribs. To highlight the interplay of light and shadow, the edges of the vertical panels were left bare. The vertical panels were stained white, while the horizontal panels (shelves) were stained black to accentuate the shadows of the ribs. From the front, the tunnel is visible through glass, but visitors must enter the store from the side, passing through a side corridor before experiencing the tunnel fully. We hope this tunnel becomes more than just a space—it should spark memories, leaving an indelible impression on the children and families who visit.