Machi-Zushi Reimagined
A Contemporary Edomae Local

In the late Edo period, a new kind of sushi sprang up in the bustling streets of old Tokyo ― fresh seafood from the bay, pressed by hand, and served from stalls. Simple, quick, and rooted in place, it became known as Edomae sushi. This project reconnects with that origin, reinterpreting machi-zushi (the neighbourhood sushi counter) as a space you can step into without ceremony, yet where quiet mastery remains.
The façade features vertical slats inspired by Edo streetscapes, with a varying pattern ― wider at the top and bottom, tapering at eye level ― guiding the gaze inward while softly veiling those within. Above the counter, shaded lighting evokes paper lanterns and candlelight ― imbuing the space with the feel of an intimate Edo evening. Seen through the slats, that glow spills softly onto the street, beckoning passersby with a subtle sense of both welcome and anticipation.
Underfoot, earthen mortar climbs to meet walls finished in charred and natural-grain sugi (Japanese cedar) ― materials chosen for how well they age, deepen, and acquire even more character with time. A solid hinoki (Japanese cypress) counter anchors the interior, paired with washi-paper shaded lighting ― classic materials, thoughtfully combined to create a setting where patina and presence mature and become part of the story.
Furniture and fixtures maintain quiet simplicity, allowing the textures of the wood and the hand of the maker to speak. The result: understated elegance ― a place for everyday visits, where neighbours feel at ease within the atmosphere of iki (refined ease), never overwhelmed by extravagance.
Even amidst the lively hum of contemporary commerce, this space honours craft and time ― a quietly confident yet calm presence that invites guests to pause, sit, and experience the enduring charm of sushi at its most elemental.