Inspired by Ma (間): The Beauty of Space in Japanese Design

At Konseputo Art, we’re often asked what influences our approach to design. While we draw inspiration from many elements of Japanese aesthetics, one concept continues to quietly shape everything we do: Ma (間).

But what exactly is Ma?

Put simply, Ma refers to the space between things. It’s often translated as “gap,” “pause,” or “interval,” but those words don’t fully capture its meaning. Ma isn’t just emptiness — it’s intentional space. It’s the silence between musical notes, the blank area on a canvas, or the stillness between actions. It is presence through absence.

In traditional Japanese architecture, Ma appears in the generous space between structural elements — in a tatami room, for example, where light and shadow are allowed to shift freely throughout the day. In conversation, Ma can be a respectful pause. In garden design, it’s the moment your eye rests before moving to the next form. Across disciplines, Ma invites calm, focus, and reflection.

For us at Konseputo Art, Ma is more than a design principle — it’s a mindset. We aim to create objects and visuals that allow room to breathe, without clutter or noise. Whether it's a print, a notebook, or a product layout, we’re drawn to work that creates space for thought rather than filling every inch.

This concept is particularly relevant in today’s world, where attention is constantly pulled in every direction. We believe there’s value in choosing quiet over loud, simplicity over excess, and meaning over decoration. When space is treated with care, it allows everything else to stand more clearly.

That’s why many of our designs embrace negative space, natural tones, and quiet structure. We’re inspired by environments like Kansai Rinkai Park, where the shifting light over water and sky offers a natural expression of Ma — a visual breath that asks nothing but attention.

In every collection we release, Ma guides us to focus on essentials. It’s not about minimalism for minimalism’s sake — it’s about allowing space to do its work. When design is pared back to what matters, it invites people in rather than overwhelming them.

In a fast-moving world, Ma reminds us to slow down — and to leave space for what really speaks. That’s the intention behind every piece at Konseputo Art.