HIROSHIMA Open Shelf is a minimalist bookshelf created by Tokyo-based designer Naoto Fukasawa for Maruni. In the gentle slope of the HIROSHIMA Open Shelf, we find a masterclass in what Japanese designer Naoto Fukasawa calls “form follows feeling.” The diagonal line that defines this piece isn’t merely an aesthetic choice—it’s a thoughtful response to human behavior and spatial harmony, echoing the recline of the HIROSHIMA Sofa it’s designed to accompany. Like a shadow cast at golden hour, the shelf’s 21mm thick wooden panels trace the sofa’s silhouette, creating a visual dialogue between the two pieces that speaks to Fukasawa’s philosophy of unobtrusive design.

This seemingly simple shelving unit reveals Fukasawa’s deep understanding of what he terms “Super Normal”—design that feels as if it has always existed, yet represents a subtle evolution in form and function. The piece belongs to a broader conversation about auxiliary furniture in modern living spaces, where the boundaries between storage and display have become increasingly fluid. While traditional shelving units often assert their presence through rigid geometries, the HIROSHIMA Open Shelf instead seems to float in conversation with its environment.

The 21mm thickness of the wood panels speaks to both structural necessity and visual lightness—a careful balance that has characterized Japanese woodworking traditions for centuries. This materiality connects to historical precedents like traditional tokonoma display alcoves, while its contemporary execution aligns with modern minimalist sensibilities.

Fukasawa’s approach here is particularly revealing: “This open shelf is designed to complement the HIROSHIMA Sofa, providing a space for items like water pitchers, books, flowers, and other small objects you may want to temporarily place or display freely. It adds pleasure and richness to the sofa-centered living space.” This statement underscores his understanding that furniture must not only serve its primary function but also enhance the overall living experience.