Where Japanese craft meets Finnish design: A home in Tokyo

A couple in their living room — Ryu Hinata and Yui Taira in the living room of their Tokyo-area home. Built five years ago, the home measures approximately 140 square meters (43 tsubo).

Design Stories joins forces with Helsinki Playground to explore inspiring homes in Tokyo, curated from their creative community. This time, we visit the forest-side home of jewelry designers Ryu Hinata and Yui Taira, founders of Ryui, where Japanese craftsmanship meets a quiet appreciation for Finnish design.

Text: Kosuke Adam | Photos: Reiko Toyama

Hi! How did Ryui begin, and how do you work together as a couple?

“We founded Ryui in 2008 as a couple and as creative partners, with the wish to create something joyful and everlasting. Ryu studied Fine Arts at Tokyo University of the Arts, specializing in lacquerware, while Yui graduated from Musashino Art University with a degree in Visual Communication Design.

Our different backgrounds naturally shape the brand. Ryu brings his knowledge of traditional craftsmanship, and Yui contributes her experience as a package designer. In 2015, we opened our own store in Nishiogikubo, Tokyo. Today, we live in the suburbs with our two boys and a cat, surrounded by forest.”

A couple standing in front of an entrance — Jewelry designers Ryu Hinata and Yui Taira.

A detail of a silver jewelry — The couple run their shared jewelry brand, Ryui.

What were you looking for when you found your home?

“We were looking for land where we could truly feel the daily changes of nature, a place with large windows and no visible man-made structures. That connection to the surrounding environment was essential from the very beginning.

In the renovation, we chose natural materials such as wood, stone, and soil to create a sense of warmth. The floor plan is centered around an open living room where we can gather, relax, and spend time together. At the same time, we carefully considered functionality and flow, so that the house supports comfortable and easy everyday living.”

A living room with a fireplace — Natural materials and generous use of wood bring warmth to the living room interior.

A book shelf in a living room — The couple’s most cherished objects are displayed proudly on the bookshelf. The Arabia’s walrus figurine was designed by Taisto Kaasinen.

A view of a living room — The living room features a double-height space with large windows opening onto the surrounding nature.

Stairs — Beautifully crafted wooden details appear throughout the home, including a slatted wall that frames the staircase.

Tell us about your relationship with Finnish design.

“I’ve always been drawn to Finnish antiques because of their gentleness and handcrafted charm. During our honeymoon, we spent three weeks living in an apartment in Helsinki, and that experience deepened my connection even further. I fell in love not only with Finnish design, but also with the warmth of the people and the sense of safety in the city.

Finnish cities feel very artist-driven, and the aesthetic resonates strongly with me. In many ways, it feels surprisingly close to Japanese sensibilities.”

“I’ve always been drawn to Finnish antiques because of their gentleness and handcrafted charm.”

What are some of your favorite Finnish design items?

“One of my favorites is a butterfly screen door we found at an antique store, it’s an unmarked piece with a strong sense of character. I also love Arabia’s koala figurine designed by Lillemor Mannerheim-Klingspor for the WWF in the 1970s and 80s, which depicts endangered species.

Another cherished object is a blue Anemone saucer by Arabia. Its tone harmonizes beautifully with the deep shades of Japanese indigo.”

A fireplace — The fireplace in the living room is in frequent use.

Lighting up a fireplace — Yui Taira lights the fireplace, bringing warmth on rainy days.

Why do you think Finnish and Japanese design feel so closely connected?

“I think both cultures share a deep appreciation for simplicity, natural beauty, and understated elegance. There’s also a similar way of accepting both the harshness and the beauty of nature and finding richness in what is essential and refined.

The Japanese concept of ‘the beauty of use’ resonates very strongly with Finnish design philosophy.”

What do you enjoy about visiting Finland, especially Helsinki?

“I especially love Suomenlinna in summer. Taking a boat ride under the midnight sun with a beer feels incredibly blissful! I also enjoy shopping at local markets, where seasonal fruits and vegetables are inspiring both to look at and to cook with.

When visiting Helsinki, I like to rent an apartment, cook with local ingredients, and spend time at flea markets hunting for antiques. Sometimes I end up visiting the same flea markets several times during one trip.”

“Finnish and Japanese cultures share a strong respect for craftsmanship, simplicity, and harmony with nature.”

Why do you think Finnish lifestyle and aesthetics are so popular in Japan today?

“As we’ve already touched on, both cultures share a strong respect for craftsmanship, simplicity, and harmony with nature. That shared sensibility makes Finnish lifestyle and aesthetics feel very natural and relatable in Japan.”

A couple harvesting — A small vegetable garden sits alongside the home, connecting everyday life with nature.

A detail of green salads in a basket — Homegrown salad greens for everyday cooking.

What are your favorite local places near your home?

“Our home is located on a mountain that feels almost like a nature park. We often walk through the forest together, enjoying seasonal wildflowers and the colors of autumn leaves.

The children especially love it. It’s a place that brings daily joy, small discoveries, and a deep connection with nature.”

A view indoors — Views of a lush mountainside surround the home.

A tea room — Upstairs, a tatami room offers a calm space for tea and quiet moments. The brown GA teapot by Arabia.

How would you describe your interior style?

“My starting point is a love for Japanese handcrafted objects, but I also feel a strong connection to handmade pieces from around the world. What ties everything together is the sense of human touch, attention to detail, and texture.

I’m particularly drawn to antique and vintage items – both Japanese and Finnish – because they carry a feeling of care and timelessness. Vintage Finnish objects, in particular, suit Japanese life beautifully with their graceful forms and calm atmosphere.”

A couple standing in the kitchen — The kitchen is the couple’s favorite place at home, with views over the living room and the surrounding forest.

Some vintage Finnish ceramics on a shelf — The cupboard is filled with Finnish vintage glass and ceramics. On the left are pieces from Arabia’s Paratiisi series.

Finnish glass vases — On the left, a clear Kanerva vase by Björn Weckström; the blue vases are both designed by Kaj Franck.

A couple sitting in a dining room — The family home reflects the couple’s interest in vintage design and collectible glass.

Do you have a favorite place in the house?

“The kitchen is my favorite place in the house. It’s spacious, and from there I can see the entire living room as well as the forest outside. Because I love to cook, we designed the kitchen with generous proportions and a beautiful view in mind.

A large shelf displays our favorite objects from Japan, Finland, and elsewhere, and we also had custom drawers made to store our collection of tableware and kitchen items.”