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A journey with an ever-evolving brand
Baselworld is one of the world's largest and most historic international trade fairs, bringing together the world's finest watches and jewelry. It is held annually in Basel, Switzerland, between March and May. Since 2008, Tanseisha has been assisting in the creation of the Seiko Watch Pavilion, which showcases Japanese craftsmanship and advanced technology to the world. We will introduce a project that has evolved in response to market trends, drawing on the know-how and relationships gained from ongoing efforts.
Photography: Nacása & Partners Inc., RINO KOJIMA (Rights Photography Studio.)
| Client | SEIKO WATCH CORPORATION |
|---|---|
| Services Provided | Design, Layout, Production, Construction |
| Project Leads at Tanseisha | Project Management: Hiroyuki Kano Design Direction: Taisuke Uegakiuchi, Jun Manai Design, Layout: Taisuke Uegakiuchi, Jun Manai, Yasushi Inose, Takeshi Kikuchi, Fumio Seno Production, Construction: Toshiji Imai, Junya Hayakawa |
| Awards | "Display Design Award 2008" Excellence Award "JCD Design Award 2008" BEST100 "Display Industry Award 2008" Display Industry Excellence Award "ADAM Award (Germany)" Bronze Award Selected for "Display Design Award 2011" Selected for the "DSA Space Design Award 2014" |
| Location | Basel (Switzerland) |
| Opening Date | 2008-2015 |
| Website | http://www.seiko-watch.co.jp/ |
| Tag |
We began our journey as a partner of Seiko Watch in 2008, participating in a design competition held every five years. At the time, the luxury watch market was in the midst of revitalization, and Seiko Watch exhibited at Baselworld as a top Japanese brand. Utilizing its high level of name recognition, the company aimed to enhance its premium feel in overseas markets and establish its global branding among the most discerning luxury watch users.
In 2008, we proposed a design plan based on the theme of "an environment that more deeply embodies the brand personality." With the desire to "let people get to know Seiko on a deeper level within a worldview that is unique to Seiko," we broke the unspoken rule of placing a show window on the exterior. We expanded the product exhibits inside, creating a symbolic expression for the entire pavilion, creating a space where visitors could become immersed in the Seiko worldview as they progressed deeper. By sticking to our unique theme and giving the pavilion a different appearance from the surrounding pavilions, we were able to make our presence stand out within the venue.
The Cube was designed in 2008-2012. The exterior is symbolic, with no product display windows.
The show window aisle inside the pavilion invites you into the world of Seiko.
Following the standard style of Baselworld, one pavilion design was used continuously for five years, maintaining a fresh look while updating the exhibits to match each year's product lineup.
In response to a request from Seiko Watch to strengthen sales promotion of its mid-price range lineup in addition to its high-end lineup, we presented a plan for the new pavilion design competition in 2013 that clearly embodied the concept of their two-axis product line. We developed an exhibition Spatial Production plan that corresponded to Seiko Watch's strategy to promote both their high-end lineup, created with the skills of artisans, and their lineup, which is centered on advanced technology. We created a highly appealing pavilion that meets the changing needs of the market, expressing these two axes throughout the pavilion while incorporating the unique Japanese aesthetic sense in every detail. These efforts were highly evaluated, and we have continued to be a partner to this day.
The luxury of the "Grand Seiko Wing" and the innovation of the "Seiko Wing" are expressed throughout the pavilion.
Even a product with excellent functional characteristics will not lead to results unless it is presented in a way that resonates with the viewer's heart. Since sensibilities differ between Japan and other countries, we worked with Seiko Watch to find Spatial Production ways to appeal to local audiences. We developed an advanced spatial expression as well as a place to communicate Japanese technology, including demonstrations where visitors can see Japanese craftsmen's skills up close, symbolic displays made of watch components, and Video expression using state-of-the-art technology. The building also features a relaxing lounge and a bar that resemble a mansion, creating a place where visitors can feel at home.
We used the insights gained from our ongoing efforts to understand the brand strategy and specifications of the products, as well as to analyze and consider the market to determine effective expressions. While sharing the customer's goals and challenges, we sought solutions in every aspect, including design and production, and gave them shape. We will continue to support Seiko Watch as it moves forward in its quest to be recognized in the global market as a brand that transmits advanced technology and produces quality products that it can be proud to show the world.
A video presentation of a watch photobook by three photographers
Entertaining visitors in a relaxing lounge and bar
Design Direction
Taisuke Kamigaichi
After joining the company in 1988, he began his career in store design for the food and beverage industry. After working on spatial Direction for fashion buildings and commercial complexes, as well as large-scale exhibition pavilions overseas, Direction the design of Tanseisha's new Shinagawa headquarters in 2015. In addition to spatial design for offices and hotels, he has continued to take on a wide range of challenges across fields, including designing the 2020-series Denentoshi Line trains.
Main Achievements
*The shared information and details of the project is accurate as of the date they were posted. There may have been unannounced changes at a later date.
Shonen Jump+ Exhibition
An experiential exhibition filled with 10 years and now of "Shonen Jump+"
"Natsume's Book of Friends" x Hitoyoshi/Kuma Digital Stamp Rally App
Enjoy the world of the anime "Natsume's Book of Friends" while touring the Hitoyoshi-Kuma region of Kumamoto Prefecture, which served as the model for the anime.
Osaka-Kansai Expo Signature Pavilion "The Future of Life"
An exhibition space where you can experience the future of "technology and life"
Osaka-Kansai Expo International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement Pavilion
Generate empathy for the Red Cross's humanitarian activities and take the first step to help through these experiences
Osaka Kansai Expo Gas Pavilion Ghost Wonderland
A learning and entertainment facility that combines the real and virtual worlds
Japan Pavilion at the Osaka Kansai Expo
Watches and Wonders Geneva 2025
Grand Seiko
Promoting the brand's worldview and message to the world
Nijigen no Mori x Anime "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba" Night Walk: The Path to Mugen Castle
Experience the fierce battle between the Demon Slayer Corps and the demons in a 1.2km long night forest with overwhelming light and sound.
Design, Layout
Yasushi Inose
After working on creating spaces for cultural facilities, he is now involved in creating a variety of spaces, including restaurants, retail stores, offices, and event spaces. He pursues problem-solving designs in a wide range of fields, regardless of industry or business type. Recently, he has been focusing on designing Hospitality Spaces, which are attracting increasing attention in society, such as the medical field (clinics, health checkup centers) and sports hospitality facilities.
Main Achievements