Our Story

Ma (間) — the beauty of space, on your walls

Art rooted in Japanese aesthetics, designed in Tokyo, made just for you.

From the founder

Hi, I'm Ryushi Nagata (永田龍史), the founder of the MA walls. I started this studio in Tokyo for a simple reason: the art I wanted for my own walls — quiet, spacious, unmistakably Japanese in spirit — was surprisingly hard to find online. Most "Japandi" I came across borrowed the look without the feeling behind it.

I grew up surrounded by these aesthetics — the stillness of a temple garden, light moving through bamboo, the beauty we find in things that are worn and imperfect. the MA walls is my attempt to put that feeling on a wall, honestly. Every piece is designed and curated here in Tokyo, by someone who lives with these ideas every day — not as a trend, but as a way of seeing.

Designed in Japan

Every design is conceived, composed, and art-directed by the founder in Tokyo — each piece chosen for its stillness and intent, guided by Japanese aesthetic principles rather than passing trends. Our work draws from the traditions of wabi-sabi (侘寂), the art of sumi-e (墨絵), and the quiet poetry of light and shadow — then paired with the clean, functional sensibility of Scandinavian design. We print on museum-quality matte paper sourced from Japan, chosen for its depth and restraint.

Why Japandi?

Japandi has become a popular word. For us, it isn't a style to imitate, but a genuine conversation between two cultures that share a deep love of simplicity, nature, and quiet beauty. Japanese ma and Scandinavian hygge are different words for the same feeling: that a space should hold presence, not just things. Our art lives at that intersection — where minimalism meets warmth, and stillness becomes a form of expression.

Made for you, not for shelves

Every print is made to order. No overproduction, no excess inventory, no waste. When you place an order, your piece is created just for you — printed on museum-quality materials and shipped directly to your door. To get your art to you as quickly as possible, your order is produced at our trusted print partner's facility closest to your address. We offer three formats — poster, canvas, and framed prints — each chosen to complement the art and your space.

Behind the MA walls

the MA walls is operated by ULTRO Inc. (株式会社ULTRO), based in Tokyo, Japan, and founded by Ryushi Nagata. If you ever want to talk about a piece, a space, or the ideas behind the work, reach out anytime at hello@themawalls.com — there's a real person on the other side.

— Ryushi Nagata, Founder