Kengo Kuma HidaHida Chair Nods to Japanese and Nordic Design

HidaHida Chair by Kengo Kuma Marries Nordic Simplicity and Japanese Design Sensibilities

Magical interplay of classical woodwork and innovative upholstery technique

By Pragati ShandilFebruary 21, 20252 Mins Read

Renowned architect Kengo Kuma has collaborated with Sweden-based manufacturer Gärsnäs for the HidaHida Chair. Heavy on Japanese and Scandinavian cultural ethos, this influential collaboration is based on a shared philosophy of keeping craftsmanship and materials at the core of the creation.

The HidaHida Chair flaunts the Nordic simplicity and Japanese design sensibilities. The chair is crafted from solid beech wood or oak and upholstered in a recycled material in fabric or leather by the Japanese company Coad & Materials.

The textile that covers the chair is left hanging with a skirt-like feature at the base, creating a draping effect. “Like a blanket placed over an armchair or a jacket hanging over the back of the chair,” says Gärsnäs. Hence the name Hida, which means ‘to drape’ in Japanese.

Exploring his fascination with wood and design, Kengo Kuma designed the frame of the furniture with an architectural quality. It is unified with a load-bearing frame of steam-bent wooden back that creates an embracing and ergonomic feeling. The sensibly tailored draping material imparts comfort to the sitter.

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Kengo Kuma clarifies the purpose of the HidaHida and says, “With HidaHida, I wanted to capture the softness of the human body’s form. Often the backs of chairs are hard, but here the felt is light and comfortable. The chair embraces you. A hanging skirt at the back elevates the chair’s conviviality and associates it with elegance and fashion. That’s what I wanted to express with HidaHida.”

When two materials, two techniques, and two traditions join forces, the result is this symbolic piece of furniture designed for relaxation. “We are proud to present a furniture design that communicates both Scandinavian and Japanese influences in its materials and form, with high quality, functionality, and comfort. This is classical woodwork in combination with innovative upholstery techniques” says Dag Klockby of Gärsnäs.