| NIWAKA Corporation | |
| Native Name: | 株式会社 俄 |
| Industry: | Jewelry |
| Hq Location: | 105 Fukunaga-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan |
| Website: | https://www.niwaka-en.com/ |
NIWAKA Corporation (株式会社俄 かぶしきがいしゃにわか kabushiki-gaisha niwaka) is a Japanese jewellery manufacturer and seller.[1] The brand originated in Kyoto[2] and its designs are inspired by elements of the culture and history of the city,[3] such as the Gion Matsuri, its cityscape, the passing of the seasons and the surrounding nature.[4] [5] The brand is also rooted in traditional Japanese motifs that range from Japanese kanji and architecture, to patterns used in Japanese paintings.[6]
Currently its headquarters are located in the Nakagyō-ku ward of Kyoto.[7]
The company was founded in 1983. In 2001 the brand opened a flagship store and studio in the northern area of the city, in a building designed by Shin Takamatsu Architect and Associates Co, Ltd.[8] One of the most notable aspects of this building is the use of a single glass panel on the front window, which was the largest single panel in production at the time. As a result, the view from the interior resembles a mural.[9]
In 2009 the flagship store and head office were relocated to a new building designed by Japanese architect Tadao Ando,[10] near the intersection of Tominokoji and Sanjō streets, an area with many long-established Japanese Ryokan and famous restaurants. According to Tadao Ando, due to the many building ordinances of Kyoto City, it was a difficult task to design the roof because of the many regulations. The building is recognized for its design that blends in with the traditional cityscape of Kyoto.[11]
The brand plays an important role on the Japanese jewelry market and in recent years it has also gained recognition overseas, being worn at major red carpet events.[12] [13] It also makes efforts to preserve the traditional arts and crafts of its birthplace.[14]
On its country of origin, the company currently has 16 directly operated stores and 50 other points of sales. In February 2020 the brand opened a new special concept store in Ginza (Tokyo),[15] [16] a five-story building with a design reflective of the company's identity, becoming its largest retail space to date. Its design incorporates traditional Japanese motifs interpreted in a modern way, such as shoji sliding panels, wisteria trellis and the ancient pathways of Kyoto. It also makes use of traditional materials such as Nishijin-ori fabrics in its interior design.[17] [18]
The design of this building has received international awards for its modern interpretation of traditional Japanese motifs.[19]