CHOWA BAR TOKYO

クンブック材の席

Kumbuk is our special, highest-grade material. This sacred wood, found underwater in Sri Lanka, is 500 years old and heavier than African mahogany, making it one of the most expensive timbers in the world. Our idea was to use this precious material inconspicuously for the bench, while pairing it with the cheapest plywood on the most visible wall. This contrast is our playful exploration of price and value. Inspired by the Japanese Sukiya-zukuri architectural movement.

階段

As you enter the staircase leading to the basement, you encounter the juxtaposition of a disco ball and the Chowa statement. This reflects another layer of playfulness we bring to the space. Our mission and concept are rooted in a serious matter, with big ambitions, but at the end of the day, we believe in having fun, connecting with one another, and being present. Our message is simple: inside our bar, there is no room for comparison or political games. It is about the community moving forward together. Act arrogantly, and you will be kicked out. We don't care who you are.

入り口

The entrance features a hand-painted sign and a Sanada ribbon specially made for Chowa Bar, reflecting a 400-year-old ribbon-weaving tradition used in samurai armor during the Sengoku era. The window is covered with antique patched fabric from the Edo period, dyed with persimmon juice using a traditional technique called Kakishibu.

壁の灯り

Light falls where people sit and leaves the walls dark, so the room reads smaller and closer than its plan. The sconce is Chowa's original design handmade on-site while we constructed the space.

障子の光

The metal structure originally enclosed the entire bar top area, but the Chowa team decided to remove it, revealing the beautiful metal beams beneath. The idea of wrapping them in Shoji paper came naturally, transforming the structure into a quiet centerpiece of the space. The contrast between industrial modernism and the warmth of natural wood is one of our favorite elements of this design.

調和椅子

The Chowa Chair is our first production chair, crafted in Halikko, Finland, at a factory owned by our friend Niclas. His grandmother was a co-founder of Artek alongside Alvar Aalto so the plywood bending technique is used inspired by the Aalto's method. This special chair will soon be available for purchase.

小さなバーから届けたい大きなビジョン

The space is filled with our love and care not just for the space as a bar, but also a place where we come together and share ideas. We would love this space to inspire people to take actions. We would love to tell you more about our story. Please stay connected or email us at box@chowa.nyc !!!