A Japanese BBQ, sushi joint and karaoke bar located in Banff National Park; Hello Sunshine explores an alternate universe where Japanese graphic designer Tadanori Yokoo embarks on a psychedelic trip in the wilderness of the Canadian Rockies. The result is an interiors experience that offers a new spin on rustic mountain décor that is typical of the town of Banff, Alberta. Multiple influences are mixed to create a playful, retro-inspired dining and nightlife atmosphere. Here, Japanese psychedelia meets cowboy western meets cozy mountain cabin, offering a new interpretation of the typical Japanese dining experience. 

Upon entering, guests are greeted with classic and cozy mountain materiality, such as a tartan fabric partition, a bar rising up from natural stone, and warm wood furniture pieces. These features are boldly juxtaposed against unexpected psychedelic elements like disco balls, lava lamps, geometric lighting fixtures, and graphic artwork by local artists. Two fireplaces with enormous chimneys clad in glazed ceramic tile anchor the main dining area, encircled by seating for guests. Blurring the boundary between outside and inside materiality is also a common theme throughout the space, with features such as wooden shingle siding encapsulating dining areas, and walls clad in locally sourced wood panelling.

Discovery is central to the guest’s journey through the space. Two karaoke rooms bathed in the fluorescent glow of disco lights and lava lamps are discreetly tucked away in the restaurant’s interior, as well as a tiny bar concealed behind a partition. A sense of curiosity and nostalgia pervades these spaces that are styled almost exclusively with vintage decor, encouraging guests to meander through these interiors and freely investigate the visual moments they encounter. Bold and unexpected, Hello Sunshine succeeds in disrupting conventional Japanese design restraint, resulting in a delightful and unforgettable interiors experience.