Interviews with Fan Inc
Designer profileGrand Interview
21 June 2026 · OMO5 Hakodate Hotel
The stained-glass artwork was inspired by the distinctive landscapes of Hakodate discovered through extensive local research. We incorporated iconic elements such as the night view from Mount Hakodate, the star-shaped Goryokaku, the fishing port, squid-fishing lights, red-brick warehouses, and the stained-glass windows of Motomachi churches. Rather than depicting a single landmark, the artwork expresses the collective identity of Hakodate and introduces the concept of "120% Hakodate" that unfolds throughout the hotel.
Rather than selecting famous landmarks alone, we focused on the scenes that collectively shape Hakodate's identity. Through local research, we discovered recurring elements such as the night view, the port, fishing lights, historic architecture, and local food culture. These experiences engage visitors visually and emotionally, allowing the hotel to feel connected to the city rather than separated from it.
The star-shaped geometry of Goryokaku presented a unique challenge because the live kitchen had to function efficiently while maintaining the symbolic form. We carefully integrated buffet circulation, kitchen operations, and service requirements into the geometry. Similarly, fishing nets and squid-fishing lamps were reinterpreted as lighting elements that contribute both atmosphere and functionality rather than serving as decorative references alone.
I believe a hotel should participate in the life of its city rather than simply provide accommodation. At OMO5 Hakodate, local stories, landscapes, and recommendations are integrated into the guest experience itself. By encouraging guests to explore the surrounding neighborhood and understand its culture, the hotel becomes a gateway to Hakodate rather than an isolated destination.
Working within an existing building required balancing renovation constraints with a completely new identity. One of the biggest challenges was the stained-glass artwork, which alone required nearly six months of development and fabrication. The inherited structure forced us to make careful design decisions, but those limitations ultimately inspired more creative solutions and a stronger connection between old and new elements.
Designing the OMO Base began with imagining the scenes of guests' stay rather than designing objects. We considered how guests would plan their day, return from sightseeing, gather with friends, or relax alone. Layout, lighting, furniture, and materials were selected to support these activities naturally, creating a space that encourages interaction while remaining comfortable and welcoming.
If local expression becomes too literal, hospitality spaces can feel more like tourist information centers than places of comfort. I believe narrative elements should be transformed into art rather than displayed as direct explanations. At OMO5 Hakodate, illustrations and graphics reinterpret local scenery in an emotional way, allowing guests to feel connected to the destination while still enjoying a relaxing environment.
While the project has been well received in Japan, I feel its international exposure remains limited. Beyond the visual design, what deserves greater recognition is the process of translating local culture into a complete guest experience through renovation rather than new construction. The project demonstrates that thoughtful storytelling and cultural integration can create meaningful hospitality design regardless of scale or budget.
We carefully choreographed the guest journey to reflect changing emotional states. The entrance creates anticipation and excitement, the OMO Base encourages discovery and social interaction, and the restaurant immerses guests in Hakodate's food culture. As guests move through the hotel, the narrative gradually deepens, creating an experience that feels dynamic rather than static.
Our methodology began with understanding guest experiences and local culture simultaneously. Rather than adding regional motifs after the design was complete, we used local research to inform spatial planning, circulation, lighting, and atmosphere from the earliest stages. The goal was to shape how guests feel and behave within the hotel, allowing Hakodate's identity to emerge naturally through the entire experience.