The Art of Craftsmanship

I recently introduced washi paper curtains into my salon. They are designed so that, depending on the time of day, natural light passes through the tiny openings in the washi and gently falls across the floor—a quiet yet beautiful transformation of the space.

This journey began late last year when I decided to further refine the salon’s interior and sought consultation from an interior designer. She is an Asian-French creative with roots in both East and West, and her ideas are always truly one of a kind. I deeply value the trust and chemistry we share—it always leads to inspiring collaborations.

Then, in February this year, we visited a company that creates custom-made washi. Despite working with an impressive clientele that includes Four Seasons, Aman, and Hermès, they welcomed us warmly. To my delight, their craftsmanship is so highly sought after that new orders come with a six-month lead time.

When I finally saw the washi in person, I felt a surge of excitement. The texture, the subtle irregularities, and the sheer elegance of the material made me certain it was worth the wait.

Handcrafted pieces have a way of bringing warmth and a sense of comfort that machines or AI could never replicate. They carry an emotional depth, something far beyond mass production.

In an era where technology continues to advance, I want my salon to remain a place that offers psychological safety and a feeling of fulfillment—a space where design and emotion coexist.

Next, I plan to introduce an art piece to the interior. Stay tuned—I look forward to sharing it with you soon.

Chinatsu Sakamoto