washi-textured ceiling fans across uchida shanghai's restaurant in china

shanghai kitcho fuses edomae tradition with chinese craft

Set within the historic grounds of the Shanghai Exhibition Center, Shanghai Kitcho reimagines the Edo-mae sushi dining experience. At the heart of the space designed by Mitsuhiro Shoji of Uchida Shanghai, a sculptural fan-shaped ceiling hovers above a curved hinoki wood counter, casting dramatic shadows and anchoring the composition. This element draws from the elegance of traditional Japanese motifs while referencing the scale and expression of Chinese aesthetics. Amid this, rich materials — from Jingdezhen porcelain to earthen plaster — create a tactile, culturally layered atmosphere where heritage and modernity quietly converge.

all images by Kenta Hasegawa

Uchida Shanghai infuses the space with warm hues and textures

Two private dining rooms extend this narrative. One features a softly illuminated ceiling with washi texture, evoking warmth and tactility, while other is finished in silver leaf, creating a serene and reflective atmosphere. These spatial contrasts embody both cohesion and cultural dialogue.

Throughout the interior, the team at Uchida Shanghai selected materials particularly for their richness and cultural resonance. Chinese-toned earthen plaster walls provide depth and warmth, while handcrafted ceramic tiles and Jingdezhen porcelain introduce subtle detailing that bridges craftsmanship and cuisine. Altogether, Shanghai Kitcho presents a contemporary choreography of light, material, and form — delivering an immersive, culturally layered dining environment where heritage meets modernity with quiet sophistication.

the fan-motif ceiling creates a distinctive perspective within the counter space

rounded hinoki wood counter

detail of the internally illuminated washi-textured ceiling

private dining room with a sloped silver-leaf ceiling

the entrance space also functions as a gallery with a gold-leaf celling

Jingdezhen porcelain and hinoki wood counter

project info:

name: Shanghai Kitcho
architect: Uchida Shanghai | @uchida_shanghai

lead architect: Mitsuhiro Shoji

location: Shanghai, China

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