Over two late-May evenings, Whitewall returned to Tokyo to launch its Spring Issue devoted to Japan—not with a single party, but with two deliberately intimate gatherings that put the issue’s subjects in the same rooms as the people shaping the city’s creative life.
The first night sat twenty-five guests around a single table at Burnside, hosted by the issue’s cover star, Hikari Mori, and its guest editor, OMA partner Shohei Shigematsu. Among the artists, designers, and collectors in the room was Yasiin Bey. The following evening, the celebration moved to Gold Bar, the cocktail destination inside The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon, where a wider circle of tastemakers and friends of Whitewall toasted the issue over HEAVENSAKE and sweeping views of the skyline. Both nights were made possible by Delvaux and produced in collaboration with En One.
A Dinner at Burnside, Hosted by Hikari Mori and Shohei Shigematsu
Shohei Shigematsu. Courtesy of Whitewall.
The festivities began with an intimate dinner for twenty-five guests at Burnside, one of Tokyo’s most exciting culinary destinations. Produced by En One, the evening was hosted by Whitewall’s Spring Issue cover star Hikari Mori and guest editor Shohei Shigematsu, the internationally acclaimed architect and partner at OMA whose vision and influence continue to shape cultural institutions and urban landscapes around the world.
Burnside provided a fitting setting for the gathering. Known for its refined atmosphere and meticulous attention to detail, the restaurant embodies many of the qualities that distinguish contemporary Japanese hospitality: understated elegance, exceptional craftsmanship, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Courtesy of Whitewall.
Guests included a carefully curated mix of artists, designers, collectors, architects, and cultural leaders whose work reflects the remarkable breadth of Japan’s creative ecosystem. Conversations flowed naturally between disciplines, creating the kind of unexpected encounters that often spark new collaborations and ideas.
Among the evening’s attendees was cultural icon Yasiin Bey, whose presence underscored Tokyo’s enduring role as a global crossroads for creative exchange. Throughout the evening, discussions ranged from architecture and contemporary art to fashion, music, and the evolving relationship between Japanese culture and the international stage.
At the center of the evening was the issue itself, a celebration of Japan’s extraordinary cultural influence and the individuals who continue to redefine its future. Guests explored the publication while sharing stories, perspectives, and experiences that reflected the richness and complexity of contemporary Japanese creativity.
Delvaux and a Dialogue Between European Heritage and Japanese Savoir-Faire
Courtesy of Whitewall.
For Delvaux, whose dedication to craftsmanship mirrors many of Japan’s most deeply held values, the partnership felt especially meaningful. The maison’s longstanding commitment to artisanal excellence resonated throughout the evening, creating a natural dialogue between European heritage and Japanese savoir-faire — a spirit echoed in Delvaux’s “Craft Beyond Borders,” the program it recently launched in Japan to stage exchanges between its Belgian artisans and Japanese master craftspeople.
A Second Evening at Gold Bar, The Tokyo EDITION
Courtesy of Whitewall.
On the Friday evening, the celebration continued at Gold Bar, the intimate and sophisticated cocktail destination located within The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon. The second event expanded upon the conversations initiated the night before, welcoming a broader community of creatives, tastemakers, and friends of Whitewall.
Made possible through the ongoing support of Delvaux, The Tokyo EDITION, and HEAVENSAKE, the gathering offered guests a uniquely contemporary expression of Tokyo’s vibrant social and cultural scene. Against a backdrop of sweeping city views and refined interiors, attendees came together to toast the launch of the issue and celebrate the creative energy that continues to define Japan today.
HEAVENSAKE and a Toast to Japan
Courtesy of Whitewall.
The partnership with HEAVENSAKE added a distinctly Japanese dimension to the evening. Known for bridging traditional sake craftsmanship with a modern global perspective, the brand perfectly complemented the spirit of the event. Guests enjoyed a curated selection of premium sake expressions while engaging in conversations that stretched late into the night.
The setting itself reflected the ethos of the Spring Issue. Designed as a modern interpretation of luxury hospitality, The Tokyo EDITION has quickly established itself as a hub for the city’s international creative community. Gold Bar’s intimate atmosphere encouraged meaningful connections and fostered the sense of discovery that has always been central to Whitewall’s mission.
Tokyo as a Global Crossroads
Michael Klug, Shohei Shigematsu, Laurent Moïsi. Courtesy of Whitewall.
Together, the two events represented more than a magazine launch. They became a celebration of the relationships, collaborations, and cultural exchanges that continue to shape the future of creativity. They also highlighted the unique role Tokyo plays within the global cultural landscape — a city capable of bringing together artists, architects, collectors, designers, entrepreneurs, and visionaries from around the world while remaining deeply rooted in its own traditions.
As guests departed into the Tokyo night, carrying copies of the Spring Issue and memories of the conversations shared, one thing became clear: Japan’s influence on contemporary culture remains as powerful and inspiring as ever. Through its dedication to innovation, craftsmanship, and artistic excellence, the country continues to serve as both a source of inspiration and a model for creative communities worldwide.
For Whitewall, there could have been no more fitting place to celebrate a publication dedicated to the people and ideas shaping the future of culture. And for those fortunate enough to attend, these two evenings offered a rare glimpse into the extraordinary creative spirit that makes Japan — and Tokyo in particular — one of the most compelling cultural destinations in the world.
