About | Hakuboku

Vision

Hakuboku envisions a future where refined spaces—rooted in the mastery of Japanese artisans—transcend time and place, carrying cultural depth and enduring business value.

Mission

With a deep understanding of traditional craftsmanship and architectural culture, Hakuboku offers seamless, end-to-end support—from concept and planning to design, construction, and operation—by aligning heritage with modern aesthetics and business objectives.

Values

Through our trusted network, Hakuboku bridges the visions of artisans and the needs of our clients—shaping culturally and commercially valuable spaces with care, precision, and mutual respect.

Offerings

Spatial and interior design rooted in traditional Japanese architecture
Architectural design
Planning, curation, and production of cultural events utilizing traditional architectural spaces
Strategic consulting for properties, land development, and architectural projects

Our Strengths

Hakuboku's strength lies in architectural production that unites traditional aesthetics with modern business acumen.

A Network of Master Artisans

Hakuboku has built a unique and trusted network of master artisans who carry forward traditional techniques passed down over generations. Through close collaboration, we realize culturally significant spaces with exceptional craftsmanship and continuity.

An Integrated Team with Executional Strength

Hakuboku combines consulting expertise with the credentials of a licensed first-class architectural office and a certified general contractor.Our integrated team structure enables us to manage the full project cycle—from planning and design to construction and operation.By working seamlessly across disciplines, we ensure that every project is delivered with efficiency, precision, and continuity.

Global Project Capability

Hakuboku is equipped with professionals who have extensive experience in both domestic and international projects. We provide attentive and reliable support for overseas engagements—from project planning and coordination to documentation and compliance.

Leadership

At Hakuboku, we work as a tightly connected team of professionals across management, design, finance, and client relations.Each member brings their expertise to every stage of our projects—from concept through execution—with both strategic insight and hands-on dedication.What unites us is a deep respect for traditional Japanese craftsmanship and a shared commitment to shaping each client's vision into enduring cultural value.

Masato Takahashi

CEO

Completed a master's degree at the Royal College of Art in the UK. Gained international experience at Herzog & de Meuron in Switzerland, contributing to a range of projects—including hotels, flagship stores, and museums—for luxury clients such as Louis Vuitton, Prada, and Hilton.

Ryo Kawano

Photographer & Art Director

After working in the advertising industry, he established his own creative studio and now works as a photographer and creative director. He also serves as editor-in-chief of JAPAN MADE, a platform through which he documents and shares the stories of craftspeople and ateliers across Japan.

Genki Kimura

Financial Strategy Manager

With a background in corporate banking, business planning, and M&A at the Singapore branch of a major Japanese bank, he later joined Bain & Company before transitioning into his current role. He holds an MBA from INSEAD and also serves as the deputy head priest of Tōhō-ji, a Jōdo sect temple.

Tatsuya Inagaki

Designer

With extensive experience across high-end residential interior design and product development, he has built a diverse portfolio that bridges space and object. His work has received multiple honors, including recognition from the Tokyo Midtown Design Competition and the Japan Spatial Design Award.

Toshihiko Hiura

Strategic Advisor

Graduated from the University of Tokyo and holds an MBA from Harvard Business School. After beginning his career at the Industrial Bank of Japan (now Mizuho Bank), he spent over 30 years at Bain & Company, providing strategic consulting to corporations across Japan, the United States, and Europe. He has also served as an outside director for multiple publicly listed companies.

Kei Arima

Design Engineer

After working in architectural design at a design firm, Kei Arima has been leading spatial and product development, along with advanced projects integrating the physical and virtual at TOPPAN. Furthermore, they founded a company focused on UX design related to space and spatial environments.

Fukumi Harada

Sales & Event Strategy

With a background in women's magazine editorial, she later moved into new business development at a spatial design firm. Drawing on her refined aesthetic sensibility, she specializes in project management and strategic planning for corporate PR spaces and multi-use facilities.

Kana Ueno

International Client Liaison

With a professional background at Sotheby's, a premier international auction house serving global high-net-worth clientele, she now leads overseas client relations at Hakuboku, with a focus on the U.S. and Europe.

Rintaro Akazawa

Urban Architect

Based in Kyoto, he focuses on the preservation and adaptive redesign of traditional and historically significant architecture. His work seeks to balance cultural continuity with contemporary relevance, offering clients thoughtful proposals that honor the past while engaging the present.

Natsuko Nishida

Public Relations Manager

With experience in supply chain operations at several international firms, including those based in the U.S. and France, she brings a global perspective to project coordination. At Hakuboku, she serves as a liaison between clients and artisans, fostering trust and mutual understanding through dialogue to ensure projects move forward with clarity and respect.