This Tokyo home is shaped by a lifelong love of Finnish design
Nordic design is both a passion and a profession for Yuta Ikawa.
Hello! Could you introduce yourself to our readers?
“Hello! I’m Yuta Ikawa, co-president of SEA&SIGN and a vintage dealer. I manage four stores: Free Design, which promotes a Scandinavian lifestyle; DEALERSHIP, focused on American vintage; cotogoto, offering Japanese handcrafts and tools for daily life; and TASTE, centered around everyday lifestyle goods.
My main responsibility is sourcing vintage items. I select tableware and objects from Scandinavia and the United States and introduce them to customers in Japan.”
Dining area centered around Artek’s 1950s Table 83 is a key gathering place for the family.
How did you find this home, and what guided its renovation?
“Six years ago, while looking for a home close to my workplace, I came across this vintage condominium. The deciding factor was the view from the living room window, surrounded by greenery.
The renovation was guided by the idea of creating a warm, classic wooden home filled with mid-century Scandinavian and American modern furniture and objects. I wanted the space to feel rustic yet simple and timeless, something reminiscent of Alvar Aalto’s house.
Working with a designer who shared this vision, we brought the concept to life using natural materials such as teak and oak. These appear in the flooring, doors and built-in fixtures, and are echoed in much of the furniture.
Yuta Ikawa with his family in the living room.
The surrounding greenery, visible from the living room, was the deciding factor when choosing the home.
“The dining area is my favorite place at home. It’s centered around an Artek Table 83 and a mix of vintage chairs from different designers. I especially enjoy the view of the surrounding greenery from here.”
A small table is placed in front of the living room window.
The Iittala glass birds were designer by Oiva Toikka.
How is the home laid out, and how would you describe your interior style?
“The apartment itself is 35 years old and measures 153 square meters. We have three bedrooms, along with a living room, dining area and kitchen.
The interior is a blend of mid-century design from Finland, Denmark and Sweden, and American design from the 1940s to 1960s. I don’t follow a strict style; the home is simply filled with pieces that I love.”
Teak and oak bring warmth and continuity to the interior.
How did your relationship with Finnish design begin?
“My connection to Finnish design goes back to childhood. My father worked as a store manager at a company that imported furniture from the Swedish brand Innovator and tableware from Arabia.
I grew up using Arabia’s Teema series at home and wearing Marimekko clothing, and those early experiences shaped my tastes and interests.
In my late twenties, I rediscovered Finnish design and began running a store that introduces it to Japan. One of my shops, Free Design, focuses on a Scandinavian lifestyle and operates as an authorized dealer for brands such as Arabia, Iittala, Marimekko and Artek, offering both contemporary and vintage Finnish design.”
What Finnish design pieces are especially meaningful to you?
“I’m especially fond of Artek furniture and the work of Alvar Aalto. One of my favorite pieces is a teak-topped Table 83 from the 1950s, which has become an important gathering place for our family. We also use a variety of benches, chairs and hanger racks in our daily life.
Other cherished items include Oiva Toikka’s glass birds, vases by Nuutajärvi, a penguin object by Lillemor Mannerheim for Arabia, Kaj Franck’s wicker Pitcher 1621 and pieces from Arabia’s Ruska series.”
Yuta Ikawa at his desk, surrounded by instruments – guitars within reach and keyboards close at hand.
There’s also space for the child to play in the study.
The Eames Lounge Chair in the study offers a comfortable place to relax.
A curated collection of Scandinavian ceramics and other old things in the study.
Why do you think Finnish and Japanese design feel so closely connected?
“I believe Finnish and Japanese people share many core values, which creates a natural sense of affinity in both design and lifestyle.
Both cultures are closely connected to nature and place great importance on materials and craftsmanship. There is also a shared appreciation for functional simplicity, practicality and long-lasting beauty, as well as a strong awareness of sustainability.”
The kitchen’s oak cabinetry and stainless steel countertop form a timeless combination.
A colorful row of favorite vintage Artek chairs.
“Finnish homes, with their soft lighting, nature-inspired patterns and carefully chosen furniture, offer a compelling example of this way of living.”
An interest in Finnish and Scandinavian design runs in the family.
Tuulikki Pietilä designed the ceramic Moomin figurines back in the 1990s.
What do you enjoy about visiting Finland, especially Helsinki?
“I often visit antique stores, secondhand shops, flea markets and cafés. I enjoy exploring Alvar Aalto’s architecture across the city and spending time in libraries such as the Helsinki University Library and Oodi.”
Why is the Finnish lifestyle and aesthetic so popular in Japan today?
“I think it relates to the idea of enjoying nature, using quality items for a long time, cherishing time with yourself and your family, and bringing color and joy into everyday life.
Finnish people embody many of the values that are admired in Japan, and they have a natural way of integrating them into daily living.
The pandemic also played a role, as people began spending more time at home and seeking comfort in their surroundings. Finnish homes, with their soft lighting, nature-inspired patterns and carefully chosen furniture, offer a compelling example of this way of living.”
The Artek coat rack in the entryway dates back to the 1960s.
The home is furnished with beautiful and durable pieces.
Neutral linens complete the calm, understated look in the bedroom.
Yuta Ikawa with his partner on the balcony, overlooking lush green surroundings.
Favorite spots in your neighborhood in Suginami, western Tokyo?
“For shopping, I like the MOGI Folk Art store in Koenji and OUT OF MUSEUM in Hanegi. For relaxing, I often visit the large parks in Suginami Ward, such as Wadabori Park and the Zempukuji River Green.
As for cafés, Jalk Coffee in Nishi-Eifuku is a favorite. It’s run by a Scandinavian-loving owner and serves blends inspired by Nordic coffee culture. I also enjoy Bole Coffee & Ice Cream in Hanegi.”
See also:
• New arrivals at Finnish Design Shop >
Production: Helsinki Playground
Published on 16 Apr, 2026
