In September 2005, Sembikiya-Sohonten Co., Ltd., which was originally founded it 1835, opened its new flagship store on the first and second floors of Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower, a symbol of the redevelopment of the Nihonbashi area constructed as part of a joint venture with Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd. The opening of the new store, which takes pride of place beneath the vast atrium designed by architects Cesar Pelli and Associates, was an ideal opportunity for Sembikiya-Sohonten to introduce a fresh new design that would epitomize the evolution of the company’s brand in the 21st century.
At the request of Sembikiya-Sohonten, the interior designers endeavored to use materials, colors, and lighting that would emphasize the colors and freshness of the fruit, but at the same time create a space that would provide a sense of the tradition and elegance for which the brand is famous. The design also incorporates playful elements likely to be found only in a fruit store, such as furniture made using timber from mango trees and coconut palms.
The first floor fruit and flower shop was designed with the term “fruit museum” as the key word. Warmth was added to the contemporary design by using natural materials such as wood and stone, and a sense of luxury and tradition created by cleverly incorporating into the design references to the more than 170-year history of the company in the form elegant silver leaf and shop signs from the early Showa period, which were framed and displayed on the walls.
The second floor fruit parlor and restaurant is a diverse space with a layout offering open counter seating as well as tables and chairs and sofas to meet the varied needs of customers, as well as a museum space where post-war ration coupons and other items of historical interest are on show. A chandelier with crystal beads manufactured by Swarovski hangs in the atrium, adding a touch of glamour to the entire dining area.
Sembikiya pioneered the introduction of fruit as a new form of food culture in Japan, and over the years we have dedicated ourselves to popularizing and establishing fruit as an integral part of the Japanese diet, something we remain committed to in the 21st century. We are committed to ensuring Sembikiya remains a brand that customers can rely on to inject “a new level of luxury” into their daily lives by offering the freshest, choicest fruits and other produce from around the world.
We commissioned ILYA to carry out the interior design work at the new store, and were extremely satisfied with their brilliant spatial rendition of the “new level of luxury” concept. We appreciate in particular the efforts of the project leader Mr. Nakamura, Mr. Kenjo, Ms. Sasaki, and all the staff members who met with us time and time again to discuss the project and took on board and realized our many requests.