Main Hall,
Yamagin Kenmin Hall

Jan. 10,2023

Theater / Hall

Project Description

A facility teeming with the charm of Yamagata Prefecture

Yamagin Kenmin Hall (Yamagata Prefectural Cultural Arts Center) opened at the west exit of JR Yamagata Station in May 2020. This new facility replaces the Yamagin Hall (Yamagata Prefectural Hall), which was a longtime favorite of the local residents and which closed in November 2019.

The building embodies the idea of cherishing the unique culture of Yamagata Prefecture. The building interior abundantly showcases the traditional skills that Yamagata Prefecture is well-known for world-wide. The facility not only serves as a base for cultural and artistic activities in Yamagata Prefecture but also acts as a place to display and promote the prefecture's appeal.

Kotobuki Seating has furnished seatss for the 2,001-seat Main Hall, which prides itself on being one of the largest seating capacity facilities in the Tohoku region. The hall supports both the proscenium style (viewing the stage through a 'picture frame' structure) and the acoustic reflector style, and an orchestra pit can also be set up over here.

The seating capacity has increased significantly from 1,496-seats of the former Prefectural Hall. Now it is possible to host performances that could not be previously staged in the prefecture due to seating constraints.

Beautiful and practical seats expressing Yamagata prefecture's tradition

The seats are custom-made for Yamagin Kenmin Hall. The armrests and backrests are made of cedar and beech wood grown in the prefecture. Kenmochi Design Associates designed the seats and Kotobuki Seating sculpted them into being. These wooden parts are made using the consolidation technology of Tendo Mokko, a leading furniture manufacturer in Yamagata. The beautiful wood grain and curves impart an elegant appearance to the chair.

The seat has a cushion supported by corrugated springs that evenly distribute weight when seated. Also, the high-density molded urethane helps retain the shape of the seat. The seat is designed to reduce strain on your body when seated. It makes for comfortable sitting even during long periods of time.

The cushion is shaped such that it doesn't have significant difference in sound absorption between empty and occupied seats, and has proven to be acoustically suitable for halls.

Thanks to the 'automatic and gentle flip back mechanism' the seat rises gently as you leave it, making no vibration or noise.

The back is designed with the top curving backward. There is a gap in the backboards of neighboring seats, allowing sound to pass through to the back.

Number plates on seats adjacent to the aisles are fitted closer to the aisle-side than usual. They are so-arranged after careful consideration so you can check your seat number effortlessly while passing through the aisle.

Also, with the seats in front of the auditorium being movable, an orchestra pit can be set up readily. With one-touch casters mounted on the foot of these seats, they can be easily moved to make space.

Yonezawa-ori® upholstery - awakening the image of safflower dyeing

The upholstery of the chair is designed by FABRIKO. It is an exclusive weave, produced in collaboration with the Yonezawa textile area (which produces textiles with the region’s techniques and styles collectively known as Yonezawa-ori). Patterns with motifs of "Shonai Sashiko", one of Japan's three major types of Sashiko (decorative reinforcement stitching) handed down in the prefecture, are used with an elaborate Jacquard weave.
The tortoise shell pattern signifying good fortune is combined with patterns that represent good harvest, protection against evil, and prosperous business. A blend of traditional Sashiko designs with modern creative stitching designs, here is a design which gives you a feel of the climate and traditions of Yamagata.

We chose a gorgeous red color for the upholstery, reminiscent of the safflower dyeing that symbolizes Yamagata. The warmth of the wood and the red upholstery meld together to impart a dazzling ambience to the hall.

The upholstery with this one-of-a-kind design has been a great success with the public. A similar pattern has found its way into the hall's introductory brochure.

Yamagin Kenmin Hall leverages the craft of local industries and traditional culture. This venue will continue to support the cultural and artistic activities of the prefecture's residents and to promote the attractions of Yamagata Prefecture.

*Yonezawa-ori®

The upholstery fabric used in this project was certified as Yonezawa-ori®.
Yonezawa-ori® is the generic name for textiles produced in Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture.

Yozan Uesugi, the ninth head of the Yonezawa Domain, encouraged the production of textiles as a measure to promote new industries.

Yonezawa forms a comprehensive textile production area for clothing and kimono made of natural and synthetic fibers.

Approved as a regional collective trademark in 2007. Signed the Yonezawa City Furusato Specialty Support Declaration in 2017.

Yonezawa Textile Industry Association Regional Collective Trademark Registration No. 5026436

Facility Overview

Yamagin Kenmin Hall (Yamagata Prefectural Cultural Arts Center) is located at the west exit of JR Yamagata Station. In addition to the 2,001-seat Main Hall, which boasts one of the largest seating capacity in the Tohoku region, the Center also has various facilities such as studios, practice rooms, and conference rooms that can be used for a wide range of purposes, including cultural activities.

Yamagata Prefecture's world-class technology and traditional skills are abundantly displayed throughout the facility, which emanates the charm of the prefecture through its very being.

Project Summary

Location: Yamagata City, Yamagata Map

Opened: May, 2020

Seats: 2,001

Client: Yamagata Prefecture Government

Design: Toshio Honma Design Office + Regional Environmental Planning Laboratory

Textile Design: Fabriko Co., Ltd.

Special Website: Yamagin Kenmin Hall Website

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Main Hall,Yamagin Kenmin Hall