RICCA Sakura in a bar

Crimson and gold cascade from above in Ryohei Kanda's RICCA Sakura in a bar, where thousands of delicate petal-like elements suspended from the ceiling create an immersive canopy that dominates the visual field with the ethereal quality of cherry blossoms frozen mid-descent, the installation occupying approximately two-thirds of the compositional height and establishing an immediate atmospheric presence that transforms the functional hospitality space into a poetic environment of extraordinary sensory richness. The chromatic palette centers on deep carmine, rose madder, and vermillion tones interspersed with accents of gold leaf and copper that catch ambient illumination, creating optical scintillation across the suspended mass while the lower register grounds the composition in warm wood tones of walnut and mahogany, polished stone flooring in dark veined marble, and the crystalline transparency of stemware arranged in precise horizontal bands along illuminated display shelving. The compositional architecture employs a strong central axis emphasized by the corridor perspective drawing the eye toward a mirror at the rear which infinitely multiplies the petal installation, while bilateral symmetry organizes the flanking bar counters and bottle displays, creating a processional spatial experience reminiscent of ceremonial architecture. Lighting emerges from recessed sources within the shelving creating soft luminous bands that contrast with the dramatic overhead installation, establishing a chiaroscuro effect where the brilliant ceiling floats above the intimate darkness of the seating areas, small table candles providing warm focal points that punctuate the shadowed lower zone. The textural interplay between the countless individual suspended elements suggesting organic delicacy and the smooth polished surfaces of the bar furniture creates a compelling dialogue between nature and refinement, ephemeral beauty and material permanence, while edge treatments transition from the sharp crystalline clarity of glassware to the soft diffused mass of the overhead installation.

RICCA is a bar, located at Kagurazaka.　 Even now, there are Japanese traditional atmosphere and alley in this town. I created this design to express Japanese aesthetic sense. In Japan, there is cultural event is known as “Hanami”, which means “cherry blossom viewing”. This unique event is happened only in couples of week of early spring. Inspired by this moment, I designed this bar with beauty, glamorous, strength and fragility of Hanami.