Little
Tokyo Central
Japanese Grocery
Yorba Linda , CA
Project Type
Grocery
Size
35,570 Square Feet
Design Services
Architecture, Brand Experience, Engineering, Interior Architecture
A local, authentic, community-centered market focused on bringing generations and cultures together, for the sharing of unique ingredients, customs, and interests.
The vision for Tokyo Central was to become the area’s go-to destination for high-quality Japanese food and specialty items at affordable prices and, more importantly, to connect with the community in a more meaningful way.
This hybrid grocery store & eatery was designed as a cross-generational, cultural catalyst to build connections between East and West, young and old, through the sharing of recipes, culture, and language. Using inspiration derived from the traditional, vibrant outdoor markets of Japan, the café/dining features Horigotatsu seating: a traditional raised platform with recessed foot-wells for the tables.
Design Awards
- VM&SD Magazine Retail Renovation Award
- Retail Design Institute International Store Design Award
Brand Communication & Design
Deriving inspiration from the traditional, vibrant outdoor markets of Tokyo, wayfinding and interior signage interplay among one another.
We leveraged the idea that the space should emulate an overall sense of Zen and joy as a common thread that would connect each separate entity within the store, and allow customers to physically experience the culture of Japan.
Promotional Graphics
Signage throughout incorporates bilingual text, signifying a fusion of cultures and pragmatically helps guide the American shopper in an otherwise foreign environment
Patterns, illustration, color theory, food and product photography styles along with English and Japanese typefaces were all developed into a communication style relevant to the new store experience.
