A Culinary Awakening of Japanese Culture in Barcelona

In the heart of Barcelona, deardesign studio unveils the interior design of Asagumo-WA, the new multi-gastronomic experience from the Asagumo Group, conceived from Chef Ben’s vision.

“Asagumo,” meaning clouds of the dawn, and “WA,” symbolizing harmony, are more than just names for the restaurant; they distill its essence into a culinary and visual experience that pays tribute to the ephemeral beauty of dawn and the harmony created by the fusion of flavors in Japanese cuisine. These concepts inspire every element of the interior design, creating a space where aesthetics and cuisine merge in a constant dialogue to enhance the diner’s experience.

The walls, hand-painted by the visual artist Agustín Casañas, transport visitors to the Japanese dawn in a fluffy mural.

The indigo blue, traditional to the Tokushima region since the 10th century, is complemented by lilac tones that add a dimension of serenity and mysticism to the place, narrating the transition from day to night.

The ceiling encapsulates the concept. Splashes of blue and lilac are applied over a straightforward exposed ceiling and flooring wrap, which also protects the walls, all in monochrome ivory to bring the texture of clouds into the space.

Suspended from the ceiling, 125 koinobori, Japanese carp-shaped flags, become the stars of the restaurant, flying freely among the clouds as they do in the Japanese tradition of Kodomo no hi, or Children’s Day.

On this special day, Japanese families raise carp-shaped flags outside their homes in honor of their children, wishing them strength and courage to overcome life’s challenges, as carps do by swimming upstream.

This symbolism is woven into the restaurant’s philosophy, where the fusion of flavors from different parts of Japan is also an expression of courage and exploration, of going against the current in search of new culinary experiences. The koinobori, by rising in the space, not only add a visually captivating element but also invite diners to reflect on the meaning of overcoming and the constant search for harmony in our lives.

The restaurant’s layout invites a theatrical culinary experience.

The central open bar, where ingredients come to life under the expert hand of the chef and before the curious gaze of the diners, is the heart of the space, surrounded by areas that invite both intimacy and socialization. At the front, individual or shared tables welcome visitors, while at the back, a space designated for groups of six offers a more private setting. The use of industrial shelving adds a practical and contemporary touch, facilitating service and adding a layer of texture to the design. Linen noren curtains, traditional yet elegant, mark the entrance to the bathroom, adding a touch of discretion and beauty.

Lighting, a crucial element in creating atmospheres, is designed to be indirect and peripheral, with spotlights directed at the bar and the landscape mural, while various pendant lamps and industrial lights add a touch of warmth.

In a gesture that bridges tradition and modernity, every dish served at Asagumo-WA is presented on specially selected crockery to complement its culinary identity. This collection has been carefully chosen to highlight the richness, diversity, and characteristics of Japan. These artisanal elements, recalling tradition with a modern twist, not only serve as the canvas for the chef’s creations but also invite diners on a journey through Japanese history and culture, where each bite is a discovery.

Asagumo-WA invites diners to embark on a journey through the senses, where the distinctive fusion of Japanese cuisine meets an environment designed to reflect harmony, the beauty of the dawn, and multiculturalism.

This space is not just a restaurant but an experience that celebrates the cultural richness of Japan and culinary innovation. With Asagumo-WA, the Asagumo Group and deardesign studio reaffirm their vision of creating spaces that transcend food to become living works of art.