This new entrant to Berlin’s thriving restaurant scene offers made-to-order onigiri: triangular rice balls with a selection of fillings, wrapped in nori. We worked with the founders to craft a brand world that is warm and welcoming, modern and joyful, while paying homage to tradition. Drawing on Japanese modernism and the geometry of the triangle, we landed on a soft, three-sided shape as the basis of pattern and form across surfaces, furniture, fittings, signage and communications.

The interior is warm, fresh and uplifting, with pale timber, canvas fabric and clay render on the walls. The fun geometry of the onigiri brand shape is used in myriad inventive ways: from the two-tone bespoke terrazzo floor to the wall-mounted tables. Craftsmanship comes to the fore in the curved timber forms of the chef’s table and custom stools and benches. The ceiling features a modern, graphic take on Noren – traditional Japanese fabric dividers. The outcome is an integrated brand and interior which holistically express OKA’s personality.