hokkaido– tag –
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The “Flying Penguin” Philosophy: How a Dying Zoo Saved My Hometown
For a child in the 90s, Asahiyama Zoo was a "hell" of boredom. Today, it is a miracle of life. Explore the revolutionary shift from "caged animals" to "flying penguins" and see how this local success story inspired CondeHouse to turn their furniture factory into a spectacle of human craftsmanship. -
The Zen of the Scoured Pot: Why Hard Work Still Tastes Better
Modern logic says anyone can be a chef with a good recipe, but the story of Kiyomi Mikuni proves otherwise. From scrubbing pots at the Imperial Hotel to becoming a global icon, join me as I explore the "illogical" beauty of hard work and the extraordinary Hokkaido restaurant where his philosophy—and our chairs—come together. -
The Sculptors in Uniform: Why Hokkaido’s Winter is a Fortress of Craftsmanship
What happens when you give a military unit a mountain of snow and a Disney manual? You get a miracle that defies market logic. Explore the deep connection between Hokkaido's vanishing railways, the "military-grade" snow art of Asahikawa, and why true craftsmanship can never be "rebuilt" once it's lost. -
Hokkaido vs. Other Ski Destinations: What Makes It Special?
【Real estate bubble in Niseko】 Ginza is the area in Tokyo well known as a luxury area. The above image (the thumbnail image) is Ginza 4th block's intersection. The area holds the highest land price record in Japan: about 500,000 USD/sq... -
The Japanese Floor Trap: Why We Can’t Quit the Carpet (And Why Your Sofa is a Decorative Prop)
A deep, often humorous analysis of Japan's "floor life" culture. We examine the architectural wisdom of tatami, the ritual of removing shoes, and the political reasons why the most comfortable sofa still can't beat the floor. As a furniture maker, I discuss this cultural paradox and introduce the design philosophy behind our MOLA sofa—a personal hideout designed for true, unrestricted relaxation. -
The Soul of Hokkaido vs. The Polish of Tokyo: A Design Revolution
Being from Hokkaido is a conversational superpower, unlike the "handicap" of being from Northern Kanto. But while our seafood is world-class, our design has often been "stuck in the 80s." Explore how architect Sou Fujimoto is changing Hokkaido's image—and why I need you to buy Tsuboya’s sweets so they can eventually buy our furniture! -
The Canvas Paradox: How a Sustainable Sapporo Hotel Eased My Chairman’s Travel Trauma
We shared the kind of misery that forges a very Japanese, unbreakable bond. I subjected my Chairman to the cheapest hotels worldwide—often in rooms where you couldn't open a suitcase. Now, the new Royal Park Canvas in Sapporo offers a blueprint for sustainable travel, built with the quality and consciousness that finally won his approval. -
Common Misconceptions About Logging for Wooden Furniture
【More choices make us less happy】 I can always make prompt decisions. This is one of the few things I'm proud of in my abilities. The trick is always trying to narrow down choices. Some people (who love fashion, for example) may say "W... -
The Bear Invasion: Why “Leaving Nature Alone” is a Deadly Mistake
Last year, a bear in Hokkaido didn't just attack—it hunted. Join me as I explore the disturbing shift in bear behavior, the collapse of Japan’s "buffer zones," and why the act of making furniture is a vital defense against the deadly consequences of leaving nature alone. -
Fun Facts About Hokkaido’s Trick-or-Treating and Chocolates
【Trick-or-treating in Hokkaido】 Did you know that the history of trick-or-treating at Halloween in North America was not so long? It started about in 1930, while Halloween itself has a long history of more than 2000 years. As you may k...