The multi-talented architects at Atelier TEKUTO believe in developing collaborative relationships and taking local social structures into account while designing buildings and landscapes in harmony with the local area. Their luxury developments on Amami Island illustrate this dedication and contribute to building healthy communities. This is why the panel of experts at Luxury Lifestyle Awards has selected Atelier TEKUTO as a winner in the category of Best Luxury Resort Architecture in Japan 2022 for two of its projects – DenPaku Hotels and 2 Waters.

Established in 1991 by President and Representative Director Yasuhiro Yamashita, the company prides itself on creating design in the pursuit of client satisfaction and for the benefit of society. Yamashita was born in Amami, Oshima, a place rich in nature and culture designated a Natural Heritage site in July 2021. Many villages there have been placed in a critical situation with abandoned old houses and the local community being destroyed by over-tourism. Atelier TEKUTO is dedicated to renovating and reviving the community and now operates restaurants, a senior citizens facility, a local goods market and galleries, and ample lodging facilities. This has created a connection between the local people, the elderly, children, and tourists while providing employment for over 70 people.

The company has created high-end luxury resorts to generate funds to sustain these community-based development activities. DenPaku The Beachfront MIJORA in the northern part of Amami Oshima opened in 2019 and is a sanctuary for guests with its minimal design and picturesque natural surroundings. The layout of the deluxe guest rooms is designed with the horizon as the only view – a single pane of glass is placed between the guest room and the sea. All rooms have wooden decks with stairs leading to the sandy beach a mere 10 seconds away.

2 Waters was completed and opened in April 2021. Adjacent to DenPaku, it provides a dedicated reception area for The Beachfront MIJORA, a gourmet restaurant, bar, and an infinity pool. It offers original cuisine using fresh local ingredients and inventive cocktails at its long bar counter overlooking the ocean.  These two award-winning developments play a significant part in sustaining the diverse village culture of the Amami Islands, with roots dating back to the 7th century.

“We are delighted to have been chosen by the specialist judges at Luxury Lifestyle Awards as a winner for our two exceptional resort developments. Both play an important role in our vision for the future that focuses on sustaining village culture while building new relationships with visitors for tourism. Our commitment to our clients, the environment, and society as a whole is clearly illustrated through our work, and it is gratifying to have our endeavors recognized in this way,”  Yasuhiro Yamashita, President, and Representative Director, Atelier TEKUTO.

To learn more about Atelier TEKUTO and its incredible developments on Amami Island, visit www.tekuto.com/en/ and https://den-paku.com/.