It’s hard to predict what’s next in line for NIGO. Between being Kenzo’s creative director and running his brand Human Made, the Japanese streetwear pioneer somehow finds time to work on an array of personal projects, from sneaker collaborations to a Magaka-inspired concept store.
Next up for the BAPE founder: a luxury guesthouse created with the Japanese hospitality brand NOT A HOTEL.
The first NOT A HOTEL residence in the Tokyo area, the house will be built into a cliff top on the coast of Futtsu, Chiba, delivering remarkable views of Tokyo Bay and Mt. Fuji framed by its floor-to-ceiling windows.
The entire house, down to the smallest details, has been created under the supervision of NIGO, who led its creative direction.
The Japanese designer will include features such as vintage furniture from Jean Prouvé and Pierre Jeanneret (two of NIGO’s favorite designers), speakers designed by OJAS, HUMAN MADE’s duck logo turned into a huge pool floatie, and sleeping pods identical to those in NIGO’s own personal vacation home.
Plus, on the outside of the property, NIGO teamed up with longtime collaborator KAWS to create a giant sculpture that towers over the house. Based on digital renders (the guesthouse hasn’t been built yet), the property does a good job of hiding itself inside of the cliff, while the KAWS-designed figure on the roof is anything but hidden.
The house, which also features a sauna, wooden Japanese bath, and a traditional tea room ready for sadō tea ceremonies, will be up for sale in Fall 2024. However, as is the case with all NOT A HOTEL locations, it cannot be owned in the way property traditionally is.
A unique timeshare concept sees NOT A HOTEL properties sold to 12 people, each of whom can rent the place for 30 days a year (they also gain access to the other NOT A HOTEL properties). Shareholders can ask Not A Hotel to rent the house out to recoup some of their investment if they don’t plan to use the property for all of the 30 days they’re entitled to.
NIGO’s homes, which include a multi-million dollar Tokyo residency and a minimalist retreat, have shown he has a distinct taste in architecture and interior design. Now, there’s the chance to own a NIGO-designed property — well, kinda.