Wataru Kumano, a design director at MAS and an accomplished designer involved in a wide range of domestic and international projects, was immediately drawn to the fine grain and lustrous surface of coniferous wood when he began working with MAS.

To highlight the beauty of the wood grain, a certain degree of volume is essential—thin lines alone won't suffice. At the same time, the chair must avoid appearing bulky or clumsy. It must feel at home in modern interiors while maintaining an elegant presence. Kumano carefully balanced the natural allure of the wood with sculptural form to achieve this.

From a slight distance, the WK Chair 01 reveals a strikingly simple structure—its vertical legs and horizontal seat intersect at almost perfect right angles. One of the most distinctive features lies in the way the wood is joined at the front corners of the seat using a traditional Japanese technique called "arare-gumi" (box joint).

This technique, commonly used in the making of traditional Japanese sake cups called masu, involves interlocking finger joints without nails or screws for durable box-shaped structures. Just as masu has evolved from everyday measuring tools to ceremonial vessels used for celebratory sake and Setsubun rituals, the chair is designed to suit a wide variety of spaces and occasions.

The gently curved backrest and seat provide a welcoming embrace the moment one sits down, offering comfort even over long periods. In addition to the standard wooden seat, a new upholstered version has been added to the collection, available in six fabric types, enhancing both comfort and versatility. This upholstered model retains a visible wooden frame around the seat, allowing the beautiful grain of the coniferous wood to be appreciated from above as well.