AMA SUSHI BAR

A Contemporary Japanese Restaurant Inspired by the Spirit of the Sea

Category: F&B

Design by: The Collective Studio

Location: Bangkok ,Thailand 

Area: 250 sq.m.

AMA Sushi Bar is a Japanese restaurant designed for the Ozone One Market project, inspired by the timeless culture of the Japanese “Ama” divers.

The word “AMA” refers to traditional Japanese female free divers from Mie Prefecture who have practiced sustainable seafood harvesting for centuries. These women dive beneath the sea to collect shellfish and seaweed using techniques passed down through generations, becoming an enduring symbol of Japanese coastal culture and craftsmanship.

This story became the emotional foundation of the restaurant’s design.

Designing Around Warmth & Simplicity

The concept was developed around the feeling of a quiet seaside shelter—a place where Ama divers return after long hours in the ocean to rest, warm themselves by the fire, and share a simple meal together.

Rather than creating a highly decorative or luxurious Japanese restaurant, the design intentionally embraces simplicity, warmth, and natural materials to create a more relaxed and approachable dining atmosphere.

Wood became the primary architectural element throughout the space, reinforcing the identity of a contemporary Japanese restaurant while creating a soft and welcoming environment.

Natural Materials Inspired by the Sea

To strengthen the connection to the Ama culture, the interior incorporates natural materials and decorative elements associated with coastal life and traditional fishing culture.

One of the key visual details is the use of traditional seafood collection baskets inspired by the containers used by Ama divers themselves.

These subtle elements help create an atmosphere that feels authentic, calm, and connected to the ocean without becoming overly thematic.

The goal was for customers to feel relaxed and comfortable—as if stepping into a warm seaside retreat rather than a formal dining space.

Indigo Blue & Interior Identity

The restaurant’s interior graphics and upholstery details incorporate deep indigo blue tones inspired by the traditional clothing worn by Ama divers.

This indigo palette was applied across selected furniture fabrics and decorative accents to unify the visual identity of the restaurant while subtly referencing the cultural story behind the concept.

Combined with natural wood textures and warm lighting, the result is a Japanese dining space that feels contemporary, intimate, and emotionally grounded in tradition.

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