Interview with Tsukasa Ono

tono is a regenerative architecture studio based in Yakushima, Japan. Through architecture, interiors and spatial design, we aim to enhance biodiversity, human wellbeing and long-term environmental value.

For me, design is a way to improve the relationship between people and nature.

I want to design ways of living in which humans become part of the ecosystem. For this reason, I especially enjoy designing homes and hospitality spaces that support such a way of life.

Sumu Yakushima is one of my most meaningful projects. It demonstrates that the act of living itself can contribute to the recovery of nature.

In my previous career and in the early years of tono, I designed many shared houses and shared offices. Through those experiences, I learned that design is not only about creating visually attractive spaces, but also about transforming people’s emotions and experiences.

I like natural materials, especially local timber, earth and stone. I also use civil engineering techniques inspired by traditional Japanese wisdom that help architecture coexist with nature.

There are two moments. I receive inspiration when I am in the forest or near water. I find the words and ideas to express it through dialogue with collaborators.

I focus on harmony between architecture, nature, ecosystems and human happiness.

I feel curiosity and hope.

When I see people and nature becoming richer together, I feel deep gratitude.

A successful design creates multiple positive impacts at the same time for people, society and the environment.

I consider whether the design is not only functional and easy to use, but also carries a message strong enough to change the values of the people who experience it.

Design can be considered complete if it fulfills the requested function. However, architecture affects people’s safety and health, as well as the natural environment. I believe designers are responsible for understanding these wider contexts and giving them form.

I believe design is moving beyond sustainability toward regeneration. The future will be one in which humans and nature become more deeply integrated.

In 2026, my work was exhibited in Italy and other places. From July this year, I will also participate in “Constellation Resonance — 2026 Asia Social Design Exhibition” at the Red Dot Design Museum Xiamen in China. I hope to continue introducing regenerative architecture around the world.

Nature is my greatest teacher.

I value simplicity by removing unnecessary elements. When natural materials, light and the surrounding landscape are brought into harmony, the design is complete.

Yes. Japanese craftsmanship and respect for nature strongly influence my design. Living in Yakushima has deepened this perspective even further.

I collaborate with companies from concept development and design strategy through to realization.

It is important to choose a designer who can share your long-term vision, not only respond to immediate requirements.

First, I observe, listen and understand the ecosystem of the site. Then I consider how to harmonize it with the client’s vision and needs.

A Nychair X rocking chair, a Cestita Alubat table lamp, a HASAMI PORCELAIN mug, a Leica camera and a grid notebook.

While based in Yakushima, I live as if I am traveling around the world. My daily rhythm changes depending on where I am, but I usually communicate online with my team and clients, engage with the nature of each place, and deepen my thinking on regeneration.

Stay curious and keep learning from nature. Even when things seem complex, the answers found in nature are often very simple and elegant.

The positive side is that design allows you to see the world from a broader perspective. The difficult side is that you must keep questioning. You cannot simply compromise with “this is good enough”; you must continue until you reach the answer that feels like “this is the only way.”

My golden rule is to listen not only to people, but also to nature and to the building itself, in order to discover what form it should take.

Observation and insight—the ability to notice subtle differences. This includes not only differences in form and color, but also invisible qualities such as sound, atmosphere and the feeling of the air.

A grid notebook, erasable ballpoint pens, an iPhone and a laptop computer.

Because I travel often, I try to secure time to think alone.

It depends on the scale, but a project usually takes from one year to several years. I am often involved from the concept stage or even from the search for a site, and some projects have already continued for around five years.

“Can architecture really restore nature?”

Moving to Yakushima and making a major shift toward regenerative architecture was the most important experience in my career.

I work with private homeowners, hotels, developers, companies and organizations that aim to regenerate the environment.

I enjoy projects that can become models for the future of living.

I want to expand regenerative architecture internationally and help establish it as a new standard for architecture.

As a company, tono is led by me alone. However, I define the creative direction and collaborate with specialists from many different fields to realize each project.

Several regenerative architecture projects are currently in progress in Japan and overseas.

People can contact us through our website or by email.
https://www.to-no.me/
info@to-no.me

There is a phrase I like: “We are not on Earth, we’re Earth.” I believe humans are not only beings that continue to place a burden on the environment. As part of the Earth, we can also become beings that actively restore the environment. What matters is not to deny humanity or even ego, but to imagine architecture while staying close to nature.