THE ART OF SUSTAINABILITY: KENGO KUMA’S FESTIVE TREES TRANSFORMED INTO TIMELESS FURNITURE
During last year’s holiday season, two magnificent festive trees, designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma—the visionary behind both hotels—graced the lobbies of The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon, and The Tokyo EDITION, Ginza. This project, conceived with sustainability at its core, was executed with the intention that, after the festive season, the trees’ components would be thoughtfully upcycled into bespoke furniture. In close collaboration with Karimoku Furniture, the materials from each tree were expertly transformed into one-of-a-kind pieces, blending Kengo Kuma’s visionary design with Karimoku’s craftsmanship. The trees, which once illuminated the hotel lobbies and enhanced the festive experience for guests, now live on as exquisite furniture, continuing to carry their message of sustainability and a greener future for generations to come.
Two trees that have fulfilled their role during the festive season are now ready for a new life. The KIGUMI Tree from Ginza will transform into a desk, and the KOMOREBI Tree from Toranomon will become a table. These two beautiful pieces of furniture, produced in limited quantities, will be sold online through this website. Additionally, one-of-a-kind masterpieces created from each tree will be offered in a silent auction and sold to the highest bidder.
KIGUMI DESK
THE TOKYO EDITION, GINZA
“Ginza – a district where cutting-edge technology and traditional Japanese culture are interwoven. To complement the architecture with a theme of “weaving” and a lobby space envisioned as a jewelry box, we designed a Jewelry Tree formed by weaving together tree branches, “KIGUMI – woven wood.”
– Kengo Kuma
The silver and bronze metallic paintwork is designed to maximize the charm of the materials and to bring out the beauty of the wood of each species. Bid an auction.
KOMOREBI TABLE
THE TOKYO EDITION, TORANOMON
“Toranomon— a youthful area constantly evolving with ongoing development. The theme of a bright “forest” inspired a tree design that gathers “KOMOREBI – sunlight through leaves” in the verticality of the lobby space.”
– Kengo Kuma
In order to minimize cutting loss, the circular parts were made from wood that tends to be underutilized or unused, such as small-diameter wood or bent wood. Bid an auction.
CHARITY
At EDITION, we deeply value our connection with the local community and are committed to serving its needs. As part of our social responsibility efforts, and in the spirit of the holiday season’s cherished tradition of gift-giving, the proceeds from the furniture sale and auction will be generously donated to Make-A-Wish Japan. This distinguished public interest incorporated foundation is dedicated to granting the heartfelt wishes of children facing critical illnesses.
DESIGNED BY KENGO KUMA
Kengo Kuma is one of the most renowned Japanese architects who designed two EDITION Hotels in Tokyo. His international projects span over 50 countries. His work reflects a deep respect for traditional Japanese architecture while embracing modern influences, emphasizing nature harmony, and using natural materials.
SPONSORED BY KARIMOKU
This Christmas tree and recycled furniture project has come to life thanks to a generous sponsorship by Karimoku, Japan’s leading furniture maker based in Aichi prefecture. The company produced various wooden parts in the ensuing decades, developing a range of techniques before launching its own line of wooden furniture in the 1960s. Building upon the concept of manufacturing high-tech and high-touch products, the company established bases in timber production areas and soon developed into one of Japan’s leading wooden furniture manufacturers.
GALLERY
