STORY
01
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HISTORY
This building, originally named Yamamotoen the Oya Grand Center, is said to have been constructed by a single stonemason in the late Shōwa period. At that time, it thrived with visitors arriving on tour buses, creating a lively atmosphere. As the years passed and the building fell quiet through the Heisei era, nature gradually reclaimed the site. The passage of time — evident in the trees and grasses that grew and spread — has wrapped the structure, clinging to the rock face, in an almost mystical air of purity.
Wishing once again for people to gather here, a part of the original name has been carried forward. Under its renewed title, the Oya Grand Center, the story begins anew.
02
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SPACE
A building that, over the course of many years, has become one with nature. As painter Carl Larsson once wrote, “What is truly old is eternally new,” and this building, too, has deepened in character as time has passed. With the reopening as the Oya Grand Center, we carefully selected materials and construction methods to honor that passage of time. While preserving the mystical atmosphere felt the moment one steps inside, we have reimagined the space to allow natural light and airflow, creating an environment where people can once again visit and enjoy it comfortably.
Surrounded by the Warmth of Oya StoneSurrounded by the Warmth of Oya Stone
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OYA STONE
At the heart of the town of Oya, Oya stone has always been present. Renowned both in cultural heritage architecture and contemporary design, it continues to captivate. Its brown speckles, called miso, give rise to the unique and varied expressions characteristic of the stone. the Oya Grand Center is no exception—since its construction, Oya stone has been present throughout the building in many forms. Some blocks are cut to shape the interior, others retain a rough, textured surface that adds character, and in some cases, the rock has been left uncut and incorporated directly into the structure. During the recent renovation, we sought to understand the role of Oya stone within each space and ensure that its presence continues to resonate in the newly reimagined environment.
Between Human Touch and NatureBetween Human Touch and Nature
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PLANT
At the Oya Grand Center, we view humans as part of the environment, just like the trees, stones, and insects that inhabit the grounds. Any care we introduce is a minimum intervention, allowing nature to evolve and thrive in its own way. By fostering a healthy environment, we aim for the site to circulate gently and sustainably, approaching the local landscape with a humble and attentive eye.
Within the Cycle of NatureWithin the Cycle of Nature
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TERRACE
During the restoration of the building, some Oya stone had to be removed. On the terrace, portions of this stone have been repurposed into benches and coffee tables for visitors to enjoy. Surrounded by plants that have grown over many years, we hope you can appreciate the enduring presence of Oya stone.
A View for EveryoneA View for Everyone
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ROOFTOP
From the rooftop of the building, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the town of Oya. In spring, lush greenery spreads across the landscape, while in autumn, the foliage turns vivid shades of red and gold. To ensure that everyone can experience this uplifting view, a new elevator has been installed. You can also reach the rooftop via the outdoor staircase, which allows you to feel the stone mountains up close. We invite you to take a moment and fully enjoy this remarkable scenery.
03
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LOGO
Though often considered an impurity, the miso in Oya stone is actually essential in creating its warm and expressive character. When observed closely, it can appear as if delicate flecks of gold have been scattered across the surface. This subtle shimmer—echoed in the particles of light that enter through the windows of the Oya Grand Center and in the leaves that glimmer as they sway in the breeze—inspired the motif of our logo, capturing the brilliance of both the stone and the town.
04
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MEMBER
Surrounded by plants, the building carries an air of quiet dignity. When human presence had nearly vanished, the site revealed a brilliance found only in nature. Its pure beauty draws people in, and this place is now opening once again.
Facility Operations
Inoue Total Printing Inc.
Founded in 1966 in Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture, our company boasts some of the most advanced printing facilities in the northern Kanto region. We hold FSC® (FSC® C195305) certification in recognition of our environmentally conscious practices, and own the patented “Miura-Ori” special processing technique, devised by Professor Emeritus Kousuke Miura of the University of Tokyo, a researcher in space structural engineering. Our cutting-edge equipment and spirit of inquiry have enabled printing technologies that are widely adopted for museum and art exhibition catalogs as well as fine art publications. Deeply familiar with the local culture, history, and regional issues, we also operate the Tochigi regional information site “Tochigi e-Books” , the rental space and cafe “Café ink Blue”, and “Soba Club Inariyama”, a restaurant offering scenic views of the Oya area. As the second stage of the “Oya District Regional Revitalization Project,” we have opened the Oya Grand Center, a cultural facility dedicated to the creation of food and art experiences.
http://www.inoue-gp.jp/
Total Management: Inoue Printing Co., Ltd., General Production: bonvoyage Inc., Art Production: The Chain Museum, Architectural Design & Supervision: masafumi harigai architecture, Construction: NICHIBIL Co., Ltd. / DDD Inc. / Okubo Co., Ltd., Mechanical Work: Toei Setsubi Kogyo Co., Ltd., Steel Structure Work: Nichinan Iron Construction Co., Ltd. / Inaba Construction Co., Ltd., Landscape Design: Landscipe Co., Ltd., Furniture & Interior Design: conté design, Logo & Signage Design: Ayaka Shimizu, Signage Fabrication: jam creative association / Touyusha (Yuzo Taniguchi), Photography: Akira Nakamura / Masanao Matsumoto / YAR Inc., Special Cooperation: Oya History Museum / Yado Planning Co., Ltd., Client: Project i Co., Ltd.
“ Here in Utsunomiya, in the town of Oya, our company has spent over half a century striving to serve the local community as a comprehensive printing business. Through our work, we have come to understand that printing is not only a craft but also a culture—one that appeals to the senses. We also find a parallel between printing and tourism: both are acts of conveying and preserving stories. That is why we believe it is our role to share and carry forward the town of Oya, a place we have known since childhood. The indescribable beauty we encountered here is something we hope will inspire not only us, but many others who come across this place. ”