Sakura Cyclone

Table for Tomoaki Kageyama

This is a low table made of molded cherry plywood. This table usually looks like a large cherry tree growing on the earth. On the other hand, when turning on the light, the cherry blossom blooms in a shadow and makes the space brilliant. It is a table that turns an evening into a special time. Cherry blossom is an important symbol in Japan. But cherry blossoms bloom for only about one week of the year. This table is designed with the fleeting brilliance of the Cherry blossom tree.

Download Press Kit № 164534

Download Press Kit № 164534 Table for Tomoaki Kageyama by TOMOAKI KAGEYAMA to access high-res images, essential texts, translations, and exclusive interviews—all in one.

Available Now for Your Next Story

At innovation|newsroom, we understand the pressures and deadlines journalists face. That’s why we offer exclusive access to our curated press kits and high-resolution images, tailored for accredited journalists. These resources are designed to enrich your stories with depth and visual appeal, spotlighting the world's most innovative designs.

Please Note:

• Credit the work's creator and/or photographer.
• Mention innovation|newsroom as your source.
• Share your published pieces with us; we love to celebrate and promote your work on our platform and social media.

Let’s Collaborate: Your stories matter. innovation|newsroom is here to support you with quality, accessible content. Once you are accredited, reach out for the images and content you need. We will provide the specific images and content directly, along with recommendations on works to feature.

Get Accredited Easily: Quick access to our resources requires media accreditation. Apply for media accreditation to join our network and start exploring a wealth of design stories.

Sakura Cyclone by TOMOAKI KAGEYAMA

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

Table by TOMOAKI KAGEYAMA

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

TOMOAKI KAGEYAMA Sakura Cyclone

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

TOMOAKI KAGEYAMA Table

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

Tomoaki KageyamaBrand Logo

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

Unique Properties

This design proposal is a low table made of molded cherry plywood. The unique point of this table is the design of the shadow that falls from the table. This table usually looks like a large cherry tree growing on the earth. On the other hand, when turning on the light, the cherry blossom blooms in a shadow and makes the space brilliant. It is a table that turns an evening into a special time.

Tags

Table, Cherry blossom, Sakura, shadow

Production Technology

The furniture is made of Molded plywood. Detailed mating is the key to designing accurate shadows. I created a mechanism to adjust the angle of the plywood installation with wires, allowing fine adjustment of the falling shadows.

Design Challenge

It was difficult to consider the configuration of parts to realize that only when the pendant light is turned on at night a shadow falls and cherry blossoms bloom. I created several scale models and conducted many experiments to check the shadows by turning on the lights. Then, I realized this idea using the construction method of diagonally mating R500mm curved wood.

Project Duration

The project started in 2022 in Nagoya Japan and finished at the end of 2023.

Operation Flow

During the day, users relax with a cup of tea or a book at the table, where they can feel the warmth of the wood. At night, they can spend a special time drinking a glass of wine on the table, which becomes as brilliant as a cherry tree in full bloom thanks to the shadows cast by the room light. We envision that this table will also used in restaurants or pubs.

Research

I explored the essential elements of Japaneseness in order to create a table that is uniquely Japanese. In the process, I came across the famous book “In Praise of Shadows” by the famous Japanese classic writer, Junichiro Tanizaki. Through this book, Tanizaki showed that since ancient times, Japanese people have been conscious of the shadows behind light and have found a sense of beauty in these shadows. Therefore, we designed this table based on the hypothesis that we could create essentially Japanese furniture by designing the shadows that fall from the table, which modern people are usually unaware of.

Inspiration

This table is a conceptual design in my lab. I tried to incorporate Japanese essential aesthetics into a Western furniture table. Cherry blossom is an important symbol in Japan. But cherry blossoms bloom for only about one week of the year. Japanese people are fascinated by the momentary brilliance of cherry blossoms. I designed it with the fleeting brilliance of the Cherry blossom tree.

Project Overview

Sakura Cyclone Table has been a Silver winner in the Furniture Design award category in the year 2024 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Silver A' Design Award celebrates top-tier designs that embody excellence and innovation. This award acknowledges creations that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional, reflecting the designer's deep understanding and skill. Silver A' Design Award recipients are recognized for their contribution to raising industry standards and advancing the practice of design. Their work often incorporates original innovations and elicits a strong emotional response, making a notable impact on the improvement of everyday life.

Image Credits

For design images and photos please credit TOMOAKI KAGEYAMA.

Silver Recognition

TOMOAKI KAGEYAMA was recognized with the coveted Silver A' Design Award in 2025, a testament to excellence of their work Sakura Cyclone Table.

TOMOAKI KAGEYAMA Newsroom

Step into TOMOAKI KAGEYAMA Newsroom for a showcase of exemplary design and recognized projects.