A quiet practice
rooted in tradition
We are a small studio in Kyoto, dedicated to design that honors simplicity, nature, and the power of negative space.
Our beginning
Founded in 2018, 静寂 (Seijaku) emerged from a shared frustration with the noise and complexity pervading modern design. We sought to return to fundamentals—to the calm, considered approach our ancestors practiced.
Our studio sits in a renovated machiya in Kyoto's Higashiyama district. Surrounded by temple gardens and bamboo groves, we find daily inspiration in the natural world and the city's rich design heritage.
Every project begins the same way: with tea, silence, and deep listening. We believe understanding comes before creating, and that the best solutions often emerge when we stop trying to force them.
The team
Three perspectives united by shared principles
Kenji Tanaka
Creative Director
Twenty years exploring the intersection of traditional Japanese aesthetics and contemporary design.
Yuki Sato
Design Lead
Specialist in typography and spatial composition, trained in both Tokyo and Copenhagen.
Hiro Nakamura
Digital Architect
Building serene web experiences with a focus on performance and accessibility.
Core values
Principles that guide every decision
Restraint over abundance
We believe in doing less, better. Every element must serve a purpose; decoration for its own sake has no place here.
Nature as teacher
The organic world offers endless lessons in balance, growth, and adaptation. We observe and learn from its rhythms.
Timelessness over trends
Our goal is work that endures. We anchor ourselves in principles that have held true for centuries.
Craft over speed
We move deliberately, allowing time for reflection and refinement. Quality cannot be rushed.
Visit us
Our studio welcomes visitors by appointment. Come share tea and discuss your project in person.
静寂 Design Studio
123 Kiyomizu-zaka
Higashiyama-ku
Kyoto 605-0862
Japan