Kyoto Villa Restored by Fashion Mogul Maezawa Blends Tradition and Modernity
Magazine A’s August 14, 2026, issue features a stunning article on the restoration of a 19th-century villa in Kyoto, Chisui-An, undertaken by fashion-tech entrepreneur and art collector Yusaku Maezawa. The project, a seven-year endeavor, meticulously balances the historic property’s essence with contemporary design.
A Historic Acquisition
The property, a traditional “bettei” (secondary residence) located in Nanzen-ji, one of east Kyoto’s most prestigious temple areas, presented an immediate opportunity for Maezawa. “It wasn’t really a choice,” he stated, reflecting his history of bold ventures, including founding ZOZO, purchasing a Basquiat painting for $110.5 million, and spending time on the International Space Station.
Preserving Heritage, Embracing Modernity
Maezawa’s vision was to retain the core character of the 19th-century site while integrating modern aesthetics. Architect Hiroshi Nakamura of NAP Architectural Design Office led the design, collaborating with Ueyakato Landscape, a 178-year-old gardening company headed by eighth-generation president Tomoki Kato, and Nakamura Sotoji Komuten, a traditional carpentry firm involved in the original construction decades ago.
The Design Details
The 4,000-square-foot villa, a traditional “sukiya” style home, features elements like mud walls that have aged gracefully, a bamboo-lattice window, and a four-and-a-half-mat traditional tearoom. The garden, meticulously crafted by Kato, incorporates undulating mounds, red pine trees, a weeping cherry tree, and a pond. Notable furnishings include a 1967 mahogany desk and chair by Alexandre Noll, paired with a 1950s Cadenas lamp by Hermès, and antique Javanese gold sarasa batik used in storage cabinets and textile trim.
A Collector’s Philosophy
“My definition of luxury is a little different—it’s not about everything being shiny and new,” Maezawa explained. “I love the mud walls here and the way they have changed over time. I wanted to preserve that character and create a space where it could truly come to life.”