Strawfire by Ross Shonhan, the newest dining destination at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi, proudly introduces the Toyama Private Dining Room – a space where Japanese tradition meets modern elegance. Named after Toyama, a region in Japan renowned for its breathtaking mountain ranges and exceptional sushi crafted with the freshest seafood from Toyama Bay, the room beautifully captures the essence of Japanese culture and artistry.
At the heart of the room lies the world’s largest synthetic Shimenawa rope, a 7.3-meter, 830kg handcrafted masterpiece deeply rooted in Japan’s Shinto heritage. Symbolising protection, sanctity and a connection to the divine, this extraordinary rope was created by master artisans from Nawawaseya in Toyama, specialists in crafting Shimenawa for sacred spaces.
To ensure authenticity and honour its cultural and spiritual significance, Ross Shonhan collaborated with Japanese architects and cultural advisors, who recommended placing the Shimenawa in the private dining room to create a serene and respectful setting.
Months of meticulous craftsmanship went into the creation of the Shimenawa. Many smaller ropes were woven together to form two colossal ropes, each weighing 300kg, which were then twisted into the final structure with assistance from local fishermen in Toyama. The Strawfire installation marks a historic milestone for Nawawaseya: their largest sacred rope to date and their first commission for a restaurant outside Japan. To complete the project, Nawawaseya’s craftsmen traveled to Abu Dhabi to oversee the final assembly, resulting in an awe-inspiring centerpiece.
A Room Rich in Culture and Artistry
Surrounding the Shimenawa are hand-painted silk walls and ceilings, inspired by iconic Japanese artworks such as the 17th-century masterpiece Scenes in and Around the Capital and idyllic rural landscapes by renowned Japanese artists. Designed to foster intimacy and connection, the room offers private dining for up to 18 guests around a single-piece wooden table.
The Toyama Private Dining Room invites diners to embark on a sensory journey, combining exceptional Japanese craftsmanship, cultural heritage and Strawfire’s innovative culinary creations. Whether for private gatherings or communal experiences, it promises a dining experience unlike any other.
With Strawfire now open, tastemakers and culinary enthusiasts are invited to discover this extraordinary fusion of tradition and modernity in one of Abu Dhabi’s most iconic settings.
