ichijo-toma Opens “ichijo-toma Lab and Retreat” in Setouchi —

Exploring the Revival of Japan’s Sense of Richness and the Beauty of Comfort in Everyday Life

With the theme of “reviving Japan’s richness — a life embraced by gentle beauty,”
ichijo-toma is opening the ichijo-toma Lab and Employee Retreat in Setouchi.

This new space offers a special experience where visitors can feel the depth of Japanese aesthetics and the craftsmanship that embodies quiet richness, while exploring new possibilities for wa — the Japanese sense of harmony.

We cherish Japan’s beautiful natural landscapes, the wisdom found in traditional ways of living, and the time-honored materials that have long supported daily life.
By making the most of these elements, we asked ourselves:

Even when everything unnecessary is stripped away, can the essence of Japanese beauty and the comfort of “wa” still be felt?

This retreat was created as a place to explore that question.
Much like savoring a simple yet special home-cooked meal, guests can experience the philosophy of ichijo-toma here in its purest form.

Breathing New Value into Historic Buildings

This experimental lodging was not newly built, but thoughtfully created by restoring a carefully selected, time-honored structure.
While the exterior may show its age and certain parts may lack perfect insulation, the design embraces the unique texture, warmth, and character that only a building shaped by time can possess.

By capturing the original charm of the architecture and the surrounding scenery, ichijo-toma explores new possibilities for how we can live within the beauty of what already exists.

A Room by the Setouchi Sea

ichijo-toma setouchi occupies a fully renovated 100㎡ residence within a 53-year-old vintage apartment building in Kure City, Hiroshima Prefecture.
The home sits quietly along the calm shores of the Setouchi Sea, where gentle waves meet the land.

From its windows, layered ridgelines form soft gradients over the islands scattered across the horizon.
Here, embraced by the scenery, time flows slowly—
as you feel the ever-changing expressions of nature from moment to moment.

It is a place where the rhythm of Setouchi’s landscape and the passage of time can be experienced through all five senses—
a serene space where nature and people coexist in quiet harmony.

Entrance

As you open the entrance door, you are greeted by a small tatami room illuminated with gentle indirect lighting.
This space carries on the wisdom of traditional Japanese homes, where guests were once welcomed and entertained on tatami mats.

The shikidai (entry platform) features a naguri finish—wood surfaces hand-carved with an adze by skilled artisans.
The softly polished texture, shaped over time and by hand, warmly welcomes all who enter.

The naguri flooring was crafted by Tachibana Shōten Co., Ltd.,
whose artisans meticulously carve each board by hand,
bringing forth the natural depth and richness that only true craftsmanship can create.

Japanese Room

In one corner of the living area, a raised tatami space finished with diatomaceous earth walls has been created.
Inspired by the engawa—the traditional veranda-like space of Japanese homes—this design invites elements of the outside world back into the interior, even while remaining indoors.

This flexible space can serve many purposes:
it can become a bedroom by laying out futons,
a cozy spot to sit and relax,
or a play area for children.

The result is a room that embodies the fluid, adaptive nature of Japanese living.

The diatomaceous earth plastering was done by Mr. Mitsuzuka, a plaster craftsman based in Hiroshima Prefecture.
On-site, he carefully adjusted and refined each layer, confirming the texture and finish as he worked.

When light filters in, the subtle shadows bring out a depth of tone and a richness of expression—
a quiet beauty that could only be achieved through the hands of a skilled artisan.

Living Room

As you walk further inside, the Setouchi Sea unfolds before you in a sweeping 270-degree view.
The sound of the waves, the flow of the breeze, and the shifting beauty of the light—
simply being here gently brings a sense of calm to the heart.

selected planks from Tokyo Kouei. The 240mm-wide boards highlight the natural grain of the wood and bring a calm, generous presence to the space.

Round Window

In the alcove wrapped with diatomaceous earth walls, a circular window was designed to allow the flow of air and light.
This perfect circle is rooted in traditional Japanese architecture—seen in shoin-zukuri, tea rooms, and sukiya style designs.
It softly frames the scenery beyond, creating a sense of stillness within the room.

‘‘月映の渚、海の翳 風が運ぶ記憶の香りと懐かしさ。‘‘

Construction

The construction was carried out by Oshida Construction Co., Ltd., based in Kurashiki, Okayama. With deep understanding and respect for ichijo-toma’s design philosophy, their team of skilled craftsmen meticulously discussed and refined every detail on site, ensuring each element was finished with exceptional care and precision.

A Retreat for Cultivating Creativity

Originally created as a retreat for company employees, this space offers a place to step away from daily work, restore the mind and body, and refine one’s sensibility. By incorporating remote work, it allows guests to reconnect with sensations and perspectives often lost in urban life, providing an opportunity to reflect on one’s way of living.

While traditional retreats have been seen as places for rest and recovery, this one redefines the concept as a “space for nurturing creativity.” The retreat also welcomes the public and corporate groups for workshops and training. Experiencing the ichijo-toma space firsthand allows visitors to encounter the richness of craftsmanship and the essence of Japanese living, inspiring new ideas and perspectives.

Through this initiative, we hope to encourage companies across Japan to reconsider the cultural value of the retreat. Preserving the delicate sensibilities of Japanese dwellings — the gentle harmony created by fusuma and shoji — is a value essential to all fields of work. The ichijo-toma Retreat exists as the first step toward cultivating and deepening appreciation for this uniquely Japanese sensibility.