Ryukyu Sanctuary
Ryukyu Sanctuary is a restaurant interior located on Kokusai-dori Avenue in Naha, Okinawa. The facade is shaped like a coral shell, formed from custom-curved steel bars hand-painted in coral blue and emerald tones. Passing through the entrance, guests move from the busy street into a calm dining room. Hand-plastered walls recreate the texture of coral formations. A stained glass partition of 4700 by 1700 millimetres carries motifs of the sea and land of Okinawa. Ryukyu glass and indirect lighting complete the space.
Ryukyu Sanctuary Restaurant by Shinjiro Heshiki was selected as an innovative example of architectural design by the A' Design Award & Competition. Ryukyu Sanctuary Restaurant was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in Interior Space and Exhibition Design in 2026. The A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award is an international, juried, academic and meritocratic design accolade which recognizes excellent design of residential interiors, restaurants, hotels, offices, galleries, retail stores, showrooms, exhibition spaces and more.
