A Courtyard Experience of Japan’s Seasons and Connections
A Seasonal Display That Brings “Engawa” Culture to Life
｜Fukuoka Airport International Terminal Lobby｜
For travelers arriving from abroad, the airport is their first encounter with Japan—and often their first impression. In such transitional spaces, the design of arrival and departure areas plays a crucial role. Generic signage or bland planting alone cannot create a memorable airport experience. As part of the expansion of Fukuoka Airport’s international terminal, INCROCCE interpreted the overarching concept of engawa—the traditional Japanese veranda—through a design that integrated the themes of Japan’s four seasons and interpersonal “connections” (go-en). The result was a series of small garden-style displays that offer both visual beauty and cultural depth.
Property Overview
Name｜Fukuoka Airport International Terminal Lobby (Expansion Area)
Location｜Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture
Client｜Semba Co., Ltd.
Design｜Semba Co., Ltd.
Display｜INCROCCE Co., Ltd.
Scope｜Planning, production, and installation of courtyard-style displays
Installation Area｜Five garden zones within the international terminal waiting area
Display Format｜Seasonal courtyard-style visual installations
Completion｜2023
Property Details and Spatial Concept
The central concept for the entire space was engawa—a cultural symbol of Japanese homes representing the threshold between inside and outside. In this international terminal setting, the concept was reinterpreted as a transitional zone where visitors could experience Japanese aesthetics and hospitality. Five garden-style displays were arranged throughout the space under the thematic umbrella of “The Four Seasons × Connection (En),” creating an immersive experience that combined visual art, cultural storytelling, and sensory engagement.
Interior Design Challenges
The displays needed to communicate “Japaneseness” in a way that was both accessible to international visitors and rich in cultural significance. Designs also had to enhance the visual appeal of the terminal without disrupting pedestrian flow. The installations were required to offer seasonal storytelling elements while meeting durability and maintenance requirements in a high-traffic public setting.
Our Proposal
We created five seasonal displays representing Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter, and New Year. Each was designed around a circular motif—symbolizing en (connection), the five-yen coin (go-en), and the Zen circle (enso). The compositions featured symbolic plants, traditional materials, and references to Japanese customs associated with each season:
Spring｜Fresh green foliage and trees arranged to express motion and renewal
Summer｜Weeping willow branches and moss-inspired greenery with iron art elements
Autumn｜Red and orange maple foliage with traditional paper umbrellas and lighting accents
Winter｜Pine trees, white sand, and stones evoking a dry landscape garden
New Year｜Plum branches with a circular shoji screen, combining real and artificial blossoms
Installation and Technical Execution
Materials｜Natural branches, faux greenery, traditional shoji paper, iron, stone
Structure｜All displays were built as mobile units to allow for easy maintenance and safety
Styling Highlights｜Each display featured distinct textural and lighting cues designed to evoke the atmosphere of the corresponding season and encourage exploration and photography
Outcome and Client Response
Airport staff reported that the displays became popular photo spots on social media. International travelers responded positively, calling the displays “photo-worthy” and “a beautiful Japanese touch.” The project also led to requests for similar installations in other parts of the airport, highlighting the successful integration of cultural storytelling into a high-traffic global hub.
Creating immersive spaces that merge “brand identity × drawing power” — why not start with us?
At INCROCCE, we bring out the unique character of each space using authentic materials and upcycled elements. From commercial facilities to offices and public venues, we specialize in crafting immersive spatial experiences. If you're considering a similar approach to spatial branding, we’d be delighted to discuss your project.