koko·ro Brand Identity

Koko·ro is a fusion restaurant concept that serves dishes inspired by the traditional structure of a Japanese meal, prepared using Swedish ingredients. The restaurant exists in a remote location in Sweden, completely immersed in its natural surroundings, and emphasizes harmony, minimalism, light, and seasonality in its design language.

​The name koko·ro translates to "place of peace", and is derived from the Japanese word koko (処), meaning “this place”, and the Swedish word ro, meaning peace, harmony, and tranquility.

The concept for koko·ro is a fusion between New Nordic and Japanese Washoku cuisine. The restaurant emphasizes simplicity and seasonality through traditional Nordic ingredients, but adds the elements of balance, integrity, and aesthetics of a Japanese kaiseki. I researched the ingredients and dishes of Sweden and Japan to craft a tasting menu concept that embodied the cooking traditions of both countries.

The name for the restaurant was derived from thorough research of Japanese and Swedish language. The logo design combines the Japanese kanji for “place” and the ancient Norse rune representing joy, harmony, and fellowship.