Situated in Rome’s Vatican district, Okasan is a refined expression of Japanese dining culture. The project encompassed architectural and interior design, including structural planning, MEP systems, and bespoke furniture, with a strong focus on lighting composition to enhance atmosphere and spatial flow. Inspired by the owner’s Osaka heritage, the layout is centered around a Kaiten counter, with materials chosen for their sensory and aesthetic impact: natural oak for all furnishings, brushed grey resin for floors and walls, and a textured gold finish accentuating the sushi preparation area.
Lighting and materiality work in synergy to define depth and perspective. Tatami seating, straw-hat pendant lamps, and backlit silhouettes of Japanese landscapes establish a warm, immersive environment, balancing minimalism and tradition within a contemporary setting.