GAIJIN Izakaya
2024 | 122 sq.m.
Architects: Ekaterina Tarasova, Valeria Dzhigil, Tatiana Kurochkina
Photographer: Ido Adan
In 2023, KIDZ Studio was invited by renowned restaurateur Alexander Sakhnovsky to design a new restaurant—a modern neo-izakaya featuring Japanese cuisine. Named “Gaijin” (meaning “foreigner” in Japanese), the restaurant aims to bring Japanese gastronomic traditions into a new cultural context.
moodboard
The design was inspired by the Japanese concepts of shokunin (master craftsmanship) and kodawari (attention to detail). The foundation of the interior lies in natural materials and handcrafted textures: stone tiles and textured plaster were intentionally left with a raw, imperfect finish. These elements reflect the essence of craftsmanship, subtlety, and the beauty of handmade work, embodying the spirit of the shokunin.
plan
The concept of kodawari is expressed through overall harmony and minimalism: orthogonal lines, a post-and-beam structure, and understated furniture emphasize simplicity and purity. The KIDZ team also designed a custom two-level structure with carefully considered connections and crafted all the furniture specifically for this project.
The finishing touches included lacquered miniatures found at a flea market, which, despite lacking direct Asian motifs, added authenticity and artisanal depth.
Functionality was also a key aspect of the project. The team designed the furniture and structures remotely, anticipating potential installation challenges.
axonometry of the main hall
To enhance the raw aesthetic, metal columns made from repurposed steel channels with integrated lighting were incorporated, giving the interior a distinctive character and a sense of completeness.
wood structures ↓
↑ custom furniture
evening edition
We paid great attention to the lighting in this project. It was essential for us to make each spotlight as functional and purposeful as possible, ensuring the space wasn’t overly bright while creating a sense of privacy between tables.
↓ project team
