Design by Osamu Surayama

Jiyu jizai is a term rooted in Buddhist thought, referring to the ability to move freely according to one’s will, or to act in complete harmony with one’s intention. It also describes the state itself.

The Jizai shelves can be installed wherever a wall space of sufficient width is available. Lightweight enough to be lifted by a single person, it can be easily relocated or rehung as needed. Both the frame and the shelves are simple to adjust or remove, making maintenance effortless. In the kitchen or dining area, it can serve as open storage for tableware and everyday objects. In the living room, it can display objects and photo frames, while in a study it neatly accommodates books and stationery. It makes use of space without overwhelming it, bringing a sense of clarity and openness to its surroundings. Like a hanging scroll, it can be freely rearranged according to the season, mood, or occasion. Designed for easy assembly and disassembly, it can also be stored away when not in use.

To resist fixing Jizai shelves to a single function or place is, in itself, a way of keeping possibilities open. The shelves are both a tool and a method—an embodiment of freedom that can be seen, touched, and experienced, and a tangible proposition for living with greater flexibility.