Tototo & Soymilk Café by Tenhachi Architect & Interior Design: A Fusion of Craftsmanship and Natural Elements in Kichijoji

Located in the heart of Kichijoji, along the bustling Nakamachi Street, Tototo & Soymilk Café is an inviting space that brings together the art of soymilk production and architectural design. Designed by Tenhachi Architect & Interior Design, this café stands as the first branch of the soymilk specialty store. This contemporary yet rustic café introduces a fresh and innovative approach to serving soymilk, a product crafted with passion and dedication by the owners.

A Journey of Soymilk Crafting

Tototo & Soymilk Café was born out of a deep commitment to delivering high-quality, smooth, and delicious soymilks. The client embarked on a comprehensive research and investigation process to perfect the soymilk production technique. Their quest was to preserve the original taste of soybeans while ensuring the final product was rich and smooth. The store uses a large soymilk squeezer machine that produces fresh soymilk each morning, ensuring customers get the purest experience possible.

Tototo’s menu is rich and diverse, offering variations of soymilk made from different soybeans. From the delicate flavor of White Soybeans in their "White" soymilk to the unique taste of Red Soybeans in the "Sakura" variety, the café provides a variety of flavors, each representing a different side of soymilk's potential.

Design Focus: Natural Materials and the Client's Vision

The architectural design of the café focuses on bringing the client’s philosophy of natural, additive-free soymilk to life. By incorporating natural textures like birch plywood for the furniture and porcelain red brick tiles for the flooring, the space resonates with the authentic and pure qualities of the soymilk. The colors and textures in the café mimic the hues of the soybeans used to create the drinks, creating a cohesive and immersive environment.

In addition to the natural materials, the large soymilk machine is prominently displayed behind a glass window, serving as the centerpiece of the café. This stainless steel machine, which looks almost like a laboratory apparatus, not only emphasizes the café’s commitment to handmade, artisanal products but also draws the attention of passersby. The machine's presence invites curiosity, making the space more than just a café but a destination that celebrates craftsmanship.

Open, Inviting, and Integrated with the City

The design of Tototo & Soymilk Café aims to blend seamlessly with its urban environment. The café features a counter and high tables that open up towards the street, offering a public space that encourages interaction with the surrounding community. The large glass windows allow the café to integrate with the city, while the open design invites people to stop by and enjoy the view of the bustling shopping district. The design hopes to create a sense of openness, blurring the boundaries between the café and the vibrant urban landscape of Kichijoji.

This unique blend of artisan craftsmanship and thoughtful design creates a welcoming environment where customers can experience soymilk in a space that reflects the purity and dedication of the product itself.

All Photographs are works of Kenta Hasegawa