Ritzwell celebrates Furubi at 30

The Japanese concept of Furubi, a deep appreciation for ageing, is a grounding value of Japanese furniture brand Ritzwell – and even more so as it turned 30 in 2022. While still embracing innovation and an international outlook, this anniversary has inspired Ritzwell to reflect deeply on its core mission of honing timeless furniture heirlooms manufactured in Japan by skilled craftspeople.

Continued inspiration and reflection on ancient Japanese design traditions remains central to Ritzwell’s ethos: from the handcrafted production of each piece, to its material warmth and detail-oriented design. It is these principles that create heirlooms that only become more beautiful with time. 'Furubi is a sensibility that we Japanese develop from birth, without ever being taught by anyone else,' reflects Toshiaki Miyamoto, founder of Ritzwell.

The essence of Furubi can be seen in the two new 30th-anniversary editions of its popular lounge chairs – the JK Easychair and the Rivage Easychair. In both designs, honest material use and handcrafted artisanal methods bring an organic, durable and timeless nature to modern design. The JK Easychair edition employs neat, uniform hand-stitching in a single, continuous piece of thick leather, which wraps around the frame of the seat. While the anniversary edition Rivage Easychair features intricate lacework-inspired cross-stitching – a pattern that runs through the front and back of the chair’s body.

This year, craftsmen produced these anniversary editions live at the Ritzwell Salone del Mobile booth. It was a moment of brand confidence in its skilled team and the beauty of handcrafted tactility in an ever-more digital world. Ritzwell has exhibited over ten times at Salone, entering the coveted Hall 5 in 2018, and this year’s 30th-anniversary presentation was a significant moment for founder Toshiaki Miyamoto: 'I realised that my goal was not to focus on the famous European manufacturers and designers, but to return to the origins of Ritzwell's philosophy. It was to rethink what Ritzwell was, in what direction it was trying to head, and what, as a Japanese person, derived from its culture and climate.'

Part of this mission included re-investing in Ritzwell’s origins and 100% Made in Japan manufacturing process. Just two years ago, Ritzwell opened its new factory in its hometown of Nijoyoshii, Itoshima on the northern coast of Kyushu Island in Fukuoka. The manufacturing centre, designed by architect Shigemi Imoto, is built of natural materials and set within dense forest overlooking the Genkai Bay. It has been designed as a peaceful and productive setting for craftspeople to imbue the genius loci of Japan into every piece, and meet clients who come to immerse themselves in the Ritzwell world.

There is a similar approach to creating a dialogue between clients and craftspeople at the new Omotesando Shop & Atelier in Tokyo, opened in 2022 for the 30th anniversary. It has been specially designed for traditional craft demonstrations, inspired by a particularly successful craft demonstration event held a few years prior: 'This small demonstration engendered a warm, homely atmosphere that I had never experienced before, and the visitors and craftsmen had enjoyable conversations with one another. Even in the age of AI, networks, and progress toward virtual reality, the event was filled with the gentle laughter that is inherent to human nature,' says Toshiaki Miyamoto.

So, as Ritzwell looks forward into the 21st century and continues to expand its international reach, it stays centred in humanity and sustainability through the intrinsic and enduring qualities of Furubi – whether that is through the patinas of durable and timeless furniture pieces serving as silent witnesses to our progressively changing modern lives; through its high-quality workspace respectful of craftsmen, history and nature or its urban atelier that warmly welcomes conversation and education.

© Architonic

Head to the Architonic Magazine for more insights on the latest products, trends and practices in architecture and design.