Design Stories joins forces with Helsinki Playground to explore inspiring homes in Tokyo, curated from their creative community. First up: Takashi and Mana Kobayashi of IMA design office, whose deep-rooted connection to Finland brings a Nordic twist to their Japanese home.
First, please introduce yourselves.
“We’re Takashi and Mana Kobayashi, a married couple who have worked together since 1998. Together, we run IMA, a design office that primarily focuses on interior design for retail and residential spaces.
From 2005 to 2018, we designed Marimekko stores in Japan. In 2010, after seeing our work in Japan, Marimekko's team in Finland invited us to design their overseas stores too. From Helsinki to New York, Malmö, Oslo, Sydney, Hong Kong, and Taiwan – we’ve completed around 10 stores abroad and about 40 in Japan.
Another long-standing client of ours is Lapuan Kankurit. We designed their stores in Helsinki and Lapua, as well as their Tokyo flagship in Omotesando. Our work has created a deep and enduring connection between us and Finland.”
You built your own home. Can you tell us about that process?
“Our frequent trips to Finland for work exposed us to Finnish living and the strong pull toward nature. We were especially inspired by how people willingly live deep in the forest – without streetlights, without visible neighbors. That quiet richness moved us.
We started searching for a plot of land in Kamakura but couldn’t find the right conditions. Since we often had meetings in Tokyo, we began looking for land near city parks: Yoyogi, Inokashira, Rinshi-no-mori. Most properties didn’t meet our needs – either too old or not truly adjacent to the park. Then we saw a property next to the one we were originally viewing. It was along the park and facing the street, though the lot was narrow and hard to access by car. That made it less desirable on the market, so we hesitated, then purchased it about three months later.
“Our home’s design is a mix: it follows function and respects the local environment.”
We designed the house to open up to the park side, which is on the north. That’s unusual in Japan, where people prefer south-facing houses for sunlight. But in our case, the north-facing view into the greenery was perfect. We don’t use curtains, there’s no need. On the east side, where our office is located, we keep it more private. Japanese houses traditionally open to the south to welcome light and breeze, but that can lead to heat buildup and constant curtain use. We flipped that idea.
Also, plants grow well on the north side. And as a workspace, the constant northern light is ideal. There’s no harsh sun, just soft light and great views. This kind of design consideration is common in Finnish architecture too. Alvar Aalto often opened his houses to the west to catch the limited sun, while in Japan, west-facing homes can be too hot. So, our design is a mix: it follows function and respects the local environment.”
How big is your house, and how is it laid out?
“It’s about 150 square meters in total. The floor plan includes two bedrooms, a living room, dining and kitchen areas, three lofts, and an office. Our favorite spots are the bedroom and the terrace.
The house sits on a 65-square-meter footprint with two stories. Because this is a first-class low-rise residential zone, we could only build on 40% of the land, twice over. Given the limitations, we maximized vertical space to make it feel expansive. The design is simple, functional, and beautiful, something we feel reflects both Japanese and Finnish architecture.”
How would you describe your interior style?
“Simple and joyful. In our home, the base palette is minimal: white walls, a soft grey floor. We built a calm backdrop where anything can fit in. Later, we added color through furniture and small accents, like a yellow handrail.”
Tell us about your connection to Finnish design.
“We’ve always loved Artek and Finnish design. In 1997, after leaving our respective jobs, we traveled through Europe for six months. That’s when we first visited Helsinki and Turku, and explored Aalto’s buildings, Artek stores, and of course, Marimekko.
There’s also a personal link: my grandfather loved Marimekko. He had many bags, textiles... I didn’t know the names at the time, but I remember thinking his things were really charming. He was also the chairman of the Japan-Finland Society and traveled to Finland every year. He even painted landscapes there. Now, I have three of his paintings, and I can clearly see the Finnish scenes he loved. That connection stayed with me.”
“We use Marimekko textiles every day, they’re both stylish and practical.”
Do you have favorite Finnish design items?
“We use Marimekko textiles every day, they’re both stylish and practical. The linen towels from Lapuan Kankurit are another favorite, and Artek furniture too. Its durability and timelessness are remarkable. Many pieces were designed nearly 100 years ago, and they still feel modern. Iittala and Arabia are also staples in our daily life. Finnish products are never tiring; they blend into your routine effortlessly.
We also deeply respect Fujiwo Ishimoto, who we met through Marimekko. Despite the age gap, we became close friends. He transitioned from textile design to ceramics, and his work is deeply respected.”
There seems to be a special bond between Finland and Japan. Why do you think that is?
“We felt this very strongly when we were designing the “Finnish Textile Art” exhibition at Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine in 2012. Both cultures are deeply connected to nature. Whether in the forests of Finland or the shrine grounds in Japan, people live close to nature with a quiet reverence. There’s a shared aesthetic of simplicity and beauty that’s born from that relationship.
Also, the personalities! Both Finns and Japanese can seem shy at first but become warm over time. There’s an emotional closeness beneath the surface.”
“We’ve probably been to Helsinki about 20 times. It feels like a second home.”
What do you enjoy most about visiting Finland?
“We’ve probably been to Helsinki about 20 times. It feels like a second home. We love going to see Aalto buildings, visiting the Academic Bookstore and stopping by Café Aalto... There’s comfort in the routine. We know the city so well that we don’t need a map. We also have Finnish and Japanese friends living there, and sometimes we see them more often in Finland than in Japan!
Interestingly, we’ve discovered Russian food in Helsinki. There’s a restaurant there that Maija Isola of Marimekko used to frequent. We always try new things when we visit.”
Why do you think the Finnish lifestyle is so popular in Japan today?
“I think the appeal has been building for over 20 years. Finnish lifestyle is easy to adopt. Its design is simple, functional, clean, never overbearing. Unlike some styles, like Italian design, which can require you to coordinate everything around it, Finnish design fits in anywhere.
It harmonizes well with Japanese aesthetics. There’s already a shared appreciation for minimalism and nature. Marimekko adds another layer with its bright, joyful colors. That combination of simplicity and happiness speaks to people.”
Any favorite places in your Kichijōji neighborhood?
“The nearby park is beautiful. There are around 30 varieties of cherry trees that bloom over three or four months. Sometimes, one tree in bloom is enough to make your day.
There’s a great restaurant nearby called Eucal that uses local ingredients. Inokashira Park has Pepa Cafe Forest, a Thai spot we like. BIANCARA, a natural wine bar near the station, is fantastic. For curry, we go to Piwang, and for crafts, OUTBOUND is a beautiful store. We also enjoy Coconut Disc, a great little record shop.”
Get inspired
K65 high chair
Piccolo pillowcase
Snoopy table lamp
Aalto vase
See also:
• New arrivals at Finnish Design Shop >
• More about Helsinki Playground >
• IMA design office >
Production and direction: Helsinki Playground Images: Reiko Toyama Coordination and interview: Kosuke Adam