For new challenge of Funabashiya which is with a long history since 1805 as arrowroot mochi store, the designers thought it is important to return to their own roots and cherish their long history, so, they adopted the iconic wisteria arbor of their flagship store to the design of the whole entrance. Not only this dynamic design of the entrance stands out in the quiet residence area in Aoyama and caught people, but it also functions as outside seating for their customers.

Born in Osaka Prefecture, founded supermaniac inc. in 2000. He specializes in branding, marketing, creative direction, and spatial design for various environments. His work has won several awards including the top prize at the Restaurant & Bar Design Awards, Gold at the Sky Design Awards and IDA Design Awards, and recognition from the iF Design Award and more. He has also received Japanese design awards.

“Funabashiya” was founded in 1805 in Tokyo, Japan. The founder was from Funabashi in Tokyo where was famous for good quality wheat at the time, and he invested “kuzu-mochi (arrowroot mochi)” using the wheat starch for the worshippers visiting a famous shrine near the store. Their arrowroot mochi became one of the specialty of Tokyo at the time, and it is still being loved by people in Japan after over 200 years.