SOBOKUYA Co. Ltd., the Japanese architectural company known for its expertise in traditional carpentry and sustainable design, has officially announced the establishment of its first Middle East headquarters. The new base, SOBOKUYA FZ-LLC, is located in the Dubai Design District (d3) and commenced operations in November.

The firm’s expansion coincides with its participation in Dubai Design Week 2025, the Middle East’s largest creative festival, which runs from November 4 to 9. SOBOKUYA is currently exhibiting at the event in partnership with Nikken Sekkei Dubai FZ-LLC, whose CEO is Dr. Fadi Jabri.

From its new office in the design and creative hub of d3, SOBOKUYA plans to use Dubai as a launching point for further expansion into Europe, South Asia, and Africa. The company intends to develop both architectural and interior projects that integrate Japanese minimalism, wabi-sabi aesthetics, and modern functionality.

The company’s unique design philosophy evolves the popular “Japandi” style further. It places a strong emphasis on three core concepts: soboku (simplicity), keinen no aji (the beauty of aging), and teshigoto no nukumori (the warmth of handcraft). Through regional collaborations, SOBOKUYA aims to communicate the essential nature of natural living and cultural harmony through its architecture. The company seeks to create new spaces that connect people, places, and purpose.

The establishment of SOBOKUYA Dubai marks a significant step following its successful base openings in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Through this Middle Eastern presence, the company intends to share the ecological beauty of wood joinery, natural materials, and authentic craftsmanship with a global audience.

At Dubai Design Week, SOBOKUYA and Nikken Sekkei Dubai are showcasing an installation titled “Chatai (Tea Platform).” The structure is a reinterpretation of the traditional Japanese tea ceremony room, known as chashitsu, and a street stall. It is presented as a contemporary space designed for connection and contemplation. Blending the calmness of the chashitsu with the everyday energy of typical gatherings, “Chatai” embodies a new form of cultural hospitality where people can meet, talk, and reflect together.

The 5.6-meter wooden framework for “Chatai” was meticulously handcrafted by SOBOKUYA’s own carpenters in Japan using traditional joinery techniques. The structure underwent full-scale mockup construction before being shipped to Dubai. It was then reassembled on-site by the same craftsmen, demonstrating the high precision and warmth of Japanese craftsmanship in an international setting. The festival itself is supported by the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority.