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© Mugi Kinoshita/Koguma Benfit Corp 2025
Onsen Koguma
2 concept artworks
Interior & exterior art depictions of traditional Japanese bathing houses to visually convey the project’s vision to investors.
Exterior
About Art
A warm architectural haven emerges amidst drifting snow, where softly glowing Kamakura guide the way. Snowfall whispers of passing seasons, dissolving into a dreamlike void. A quiet homage to Japan’s 雪国, echoing the serene depth of Mugi’s imagined worlds.
Gate
Create a sense of welcome—an inviting entrance into the world of Koguma.
Snow
Snow softens the world, quieting the outside and casting the onsen in a whimsical, dreamlike glow - turning each moment into a gentle pause.
Architecture
Wooden beams, earthen walls(土壁）, and an Engawa bathed in winter light—this home offers quiet comfort and a gentle return to memory.
Nature
Bushes are designed in round shapes to evoke feelings of peace and warmth. This soft, natural touch is meant to help visitors feel relaxed the moment they enter the setting.
Noren
In Japan, のれん at baths sparks a thrill before soaking—this one, bearing the Koguma kamon and name, deepens the theme.
Fence
Bamboo fence defines the boundary of Koguma Onsen World—an oasis found only here. It shelters serenity, gently silencing the noise of the outside world.
Interior
About Art
A fisheye view captures the bathing house, where a central tub with square spout rests on wooden flooring. Open shoji doors reveal a serene garden—fir tree, stones, lantern, and a low fence in quiet harmony.
Garden
A lantern, stones, and a fir tree arranged with quiet precision. Though still, it speaks softly to the soul, inviting each visitor to drift inward and linger in thought.
Plants
“Ikebana,” the traditional Japanese art of flower arrangement, is refreshed regularly to reflect the changing seasons—offering visitors a gentle glimpse into Japan’s seasonal beauty.
Ofuro
Soma-Kosha’s square wooden tub has a box-shaped spout (水口) that recalls a shadowy, soothing waterfall trickling from hidden rocks.
Shoji
Garden is revealed beyond the open shoji, where sunlight filters through snowy paper screens—inviting a quiet moment of seasonal grace..
Noren
Same as external concept art, noren deepens the theme of “Onsen Koguma”
Design Conceit
The gaze is gently guided toward the garden—where winter’s onsen becomes a quiet resting place for the soul.
Creation Journey
Story
During a ski trip in Vermont, a family visits Koguma, a Japanese bath experience that unexpectedly transports them into a world of warmth, beauty, and deep hospitality. For the mother, it awakens memories of her time in Japan, while for the whole family, it becomes a moment of connection, wonder, and true omotenashi.
1. Begins with Story
This Project starts with a written narrative—an emotional anchor that guides the entire work.
4. Reference Gathering
We collect imagery and engage in dialogue with you to enrich context and direction.
2. Conceptual Collaboration
Jim brings his mastery of structure and aesthetics, laying the foundation for visual storytelling.
5. Cultural Infusion
Mugi's rough sketch carries cultural integrity and ignites inspiration across the team.
3. Visual Interpretation
Together, we determine the best way to depict the story’s emotional and symbolic depth.
6. Final Refinement
This illustration completes and becomes a visual goal and inspiration for project.
Testimonial
"Through our collaboration, Mugi created images beyond what we could have conceived ourselves. With her collaboration, we were able to bring a dream to reality, not only bringing our business to fruition, but inspiring our entire team to move as one toward our mission driven goals. Her work has served as a unifying element of wonder that I don’t believe we would have found anywhere else (we searched high and low). In two words, we refer to her renderings internally as “Mugi Magic” and everyone is instantly on the same page, striving to bring the same level of commitment and talent that she has brought to our operation."
Ryan, Founder of Koguma Benefit Corp
"He was deeply moved to see his design brought to life and I am still in a state of shock."
"A man of few words; as you might have sensed, rarely gives out praise and he was gushing."
American Master of Japanese Traditional Craftsmanship
"Engineers are saying: Wow, I'm having difficulty trying to find the right words. This is absolutely brilliant! fun! ; Fairytale! "
Green Civil engineer
Geological Maverick
Everyone on the team is blown away by your final image, they’re incredibly immersive
Whole Team
Great Impact on Presentation
The visual concept of Onsen Koguma was showcased during the meeting with the U.S. Consulate-General of Japan, where Mugi’s evocative concept art painting played a key role in capturing their attention and deepening their interest in the project. These concept arts became the key element in the seed-round campaign, helping raise funds beyond target.
© 2025 Koguma Benefit Corporation & Mugi Kinoshita. All rights reserved. “Onsen Koguma,” the bear emblem, and related design elements are ®/™ trademarks of Koguma Benefit Corporation, protected under the Lanham Act (15 U.S.C. § 1051 et seq.). All site content is protected by the U.S. Copyright Act (17 U.S.C. §§ 101–122).
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