Waku Waku is a Japanese restaurant in Melbourne’s CBD, reimagined through a unified approach to interior and brand. The project elevates the Waku Waku identity—introducing a more bold, playful and culturally relevant expression, attuned to the present-day social landscape. Conceived in unison, brand and interior work together to create a cohesive and distinctive dining experience. The energetic, graphic identity brings immediacy and character, while the interiors provide balance—drawing from wabi-sabi to introduce depth, texture and material honesty.

This interplay between expressive branding and considered materiality strengthens the overall experience—setting Waku Waku apart from the conventional Japanese dining environment. The result is a space that feels dynamic and grounded in equal measure, where brand and interior exist as one.