Expressing the “Sound of Kyoto” Through Drums and Obi Cord
A Fusion of Japanese Tradition and Rock for Global Visitors
｜Hard Rock Cafe Kyoto｜
For a global brand like Hard Rock Cafe, spatial design must go beyond aesthetics—it is a form of branding that reflects local identity. In a culturally rich city like Kyoto, the challenge lies in how to authentically translate “Japaneseness” for an international audience. At Hard Rock Cafe Kyoto, INCROCCE proposed a one-of-a-kind suspended art installation combining a Western instrument—drums—with elements of traditional Japanese craftsmanship. The result was an impactful display that distinguishes this location from all other Hard Rock Cafes around the world.
Property Overview
Name｜Hard Rock Cafe Kyoto
Location｜Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Client｜Semba Co., Ltd.
Interior Design｜Semba Co., Ltd.
Display｜INCROCCE Co., Ltd.
Scope｜Planning, production, and installation of custom artwork
Installation Area｜Three-story atrium space above the restaurant area
Display Format｜Ceiling-suspended artwork
Completion｜2024
Property Details and Spatial Concept
Among Hard Rock Cafe’s global locations, the Kyoto store is especially committed to the concept of blending East and West. The entire venue features a modern aesthetic layered with traditional Japanese elements, offering inbound travelers an immersive, culturally rich dining experience. This particular installation was to become the symbolic focal point of that fusion.
Interior Design Challenges
A central challenge was reimagining the drum set—an iconic symbol of rock—in a distinctly Kyoto-inspired way. This required thoughtful reinterpretation of Japanese cultural motifs such as traditional crafts and attire. The high-altitude atrium space also posed technical and safety challenges in terms of suspension structure and visual balance.
Our Proposal
The installation was titled “KYO no BUTAI”—a play on words blending “Kyo” (Kyoto, or “today”) and “butai” (stage). At the core of the piece was a used drum kit, repurposed to deliver visual impact. For the surface design, decorative motifs inspired by the obijime (kimono cord) worn by maiko were incorporated to reflect Kyoto’s cultural elegance. The drum became more than an object—it was reimagined as a symbolic intersection of sound and tradition.
Installation and Technical Execution
Structure｜The drum was suspended from the ceiling using hardware that met all safety standards.
Materials｜Used drum body, graphic sheeting, custom obi cord decoration
Color Scheme｜A rich combination of gold, vermilion, and black—traditional Japanese hues with a rock-and-roll twist
Visual Effect｜Multi-surface design gave the illusion that the drum was rotating, enhancing visual dynamism from below
Outcome and Client Response
The display quickly became a popular photo spot among international visitors, spreading widely across social media. Staff members referred to it as “the face of the restaurant,” and the piece drew interest from other Hard Rock locations as a standout example of local cultural integration. Ultimately, the installation succeeded in making the Kyoto location uniquely memorable—an experience only possible in that city.
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.