Main Hall, Kawagoe City Culture and Arts Promotion Facility,
Westa Kawagoe

Westa Kawagoe, a new landmark in Little Edo Kawagoe

Kawagoe City in Saitama Prefecture flourished as a castle town during the Edo period. It is known as Little Edo because of its quaint warehouse-style townscape and it has become popular as a tourist spot in recent years.

In March 2015, a new gathering place called Westa Kawagoe was constructed here. The facility is a prime location to meet new people, create a lively atmosphere and convey the charms of western Saitama and Kawagoe City.

The focal point of the facility is the Main Hall that can accommodate a wide variety of programs such as concerts and lectures, and a Multipurpose Hall that can be utilized for exhibitions and festivals. The facility also houses start-up support rooms, civic activities rooms, lifelong learning facilities, gender equality promotion facilities, and public facilities of Saitama Prefecture and Kawagoe City. Furthermore, adjacent to this facility, you will come across a diverse array of commercial facilities, making this place a vibrant hub for both public and private activities.

Limitless possibilities with the fully-equipped Main Hall

The Main Hall boasts the largest capacity of 1,712 seats in Kawagoe City. The state-of-the-art stage machinery, lighting, and acoustic equipment can be used not only for various performances of opera, classical concerts, ballet, and theater, but also for Noh, Kyōgen, Kabuki, and Japanese dance. The walls of the hall remind you of the town of Kawagoe which still retains some traces of the Edo period. The ceiling design resembles floating clouds. Both the walls and ceiling are designed with acoustics in mind, and blend practicality and beauty together.
We designed the three-tier auditorium with careful consideration to angles and levels so that the stage is easily visible from any seat. In addition, the third tier of seats, which approaches the stage closely, connects the stage and the audience, creating a sense of unity throughout the entire hall.
We have also set up parent-child viewing seats at the rear of the first tier so that even people with small children can enjoy the performances without any worries. The seating space personifies the spirit of Little Edo Kawagoe. It combines the beautiful and robust nature of the Musashino area, where Westa Kawagoe is located, with the traditional textiles of Kawagoe.

Seats in the Hall, reminiscent of Kawagoe Tozan (unique weave of the area)

The chairs with an original design are created particularly for this hall. The straight backrests creating a comfortable and intense atmosphere throughout the hall are complemented by the curved armrests that snuggle up to your hand, adding a dash of softness. The combination of the calming wood color that matches the wall and the thick back and arm frames gives rise to a sense of luxury.
The ergonomic shape of the backrests and seats offers a comfortable seating experience. The backrests are fitted with three-dimensional curved cushions that conform to the human body. The seats distribute body pressure evenly, ensuring your comfort even during extended periods.
The seat upholstery is made of a striped fabric inspired by Kawagoe Tozan. It imparts a unique Japanese feel and a glamorous atmosphere to the Hall. Kawagoe Tozan is a striped cotton fabric that has been woven locally since the Edo period and has a silky texture due to the use of extremely fine 2-ply threads. It is often used as a fabric for kimonos, and has been affectionately shortened to 'Kawato' for many years since it became popular as a chic item in the Edo period.
The red base-color of the upholstery is in sync with the extraordinary space of the Hall. We have also used indigo, inspired by Kawagoe's old townscape, and navy blue and ocher, reminiscent of Kawagoe Tozan yarn colors. The vertical stripes in harmony with the design of the walls and the fine and delicate texture of the fabric further enhance the elegance of the Hall.