Sakaba Shokudo Mai

A bright izakaya on a Noge street corner.

A corner tenancy in Noge, Yokohama. A friendly shokudo by day, a warm sakaba by night — a brushed “舞” on the facade, a “無忧” noren inside, hung between old and new.

Location: Noge, Yokohama
Type: Restaurant / izakaya
Area: approx. 60 m²
Year: 2025
Scope: Spatial planning / interiors / lighting / facade & signage
Status: Design complete
Role: Spatial & interior design (concept to construction drawings)

Background

Noge is packed with traditional izakaya — most of them dim and crowded. The owner wanted the energy of a sakaba, yet a room that women and families would happily enter in daylight.

Thinking

Problem
A long, narrow corner unit: how can it hold a shokudo’s brightness and a sakaba’s warmth at once?
Judgement
In Noge, “clean and bright” is the rare differentiator. Let light and material carry the atmosphere — not darkness.
Design
The existing structure and services stay, painted white; rattan globe lanterns set a warm rhythm; the sake wall and counter become the evening stage. On the facade, brushed calligraphy and vertical battens light the corner; inside hangs a “無忧” noren.

I was responsible for the spatial and interior design (concept to construction drawings), lighting, facade and signage. About me →

The space

Rattan lanterns and the sake display (render)

Rattan lanterns and the “無忧” noren (render)

Process

Process material — sketches, plans, material boards and site photographs — is being compiled and will follow.

A set lunch by day, a cup of sake by night — one room, two rhythms.

Planning something similar?

Tell me the location, size and rough budget, and I will explain what can be done and how long it might take.

hello@pinchuang.studio · WeChat: PinChuang-Design

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