Mentsen is a London-based design practice established in 2011 and a partnership between two Japanese designers, Yasuyuki Sakurai and Risa Sano. The studio name, meaning ‘surfaces and lines’ in Japanese, references to working in different mediums and scales.

Working internationally, Mentsen offer product design and art direction for businesses and cultural organisations.

Clarity and thoughtfulness are at the core of studio’s approach. Making often gives an additional layer to the design process, aiding us to understand materials, constructions and production processes. We test ideas and experiment with materials in our workshop, as well as making objects and furniture for commission.

Please get in touch to discuss commissions or collaborations.

 

Visit our shop
We have some small products made with offcuts at our workshop available on this website. We also sell these items at the open studio event time to time. Please sign up to our mailing list or follow us on Instagram if you’d like to be informed about the events.
Unit 8 The Workstack
599 Woolwich Road
London SE7 7GS
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Clients include The Aram Gallery, Artwise, British Council, Crafts Council, The Crown Estate, Disegno Magazine, The Exchange Erith, The Geffrye, The Goldsmiths’ Centre, Hand & Eye Studio, Japan House London, London Design Festival, Roca, Tolv and Zilio A&C.
Recognitions
Awarded with Finn Juhl Prisen 2022 from Wilhelm Hansen Fonden
Winner of Archiproducts Design Awards 2022 for Bacchette
Winner of  Wood Awards 2022 with Furniture for 2 Bessborough Street project
Awarded with Furniture Guild Mark (DGM281) for Melina, 2022
Winner of Imm Interior Innovation Award for Seleri chair
Yasu and Risa at Studio in Peckham
Photo by Alice Holland