MAAI
by Studio Segno

MAAI is a 46.7-metre yacht concept by Studio Segno that explores the meeting point between Japanese restraint and Italian conviviality, translating the space between two cultures into a considered way of living at sea.

The project takes its name from the Japanese concept of ma-ai, referring to the meaningful interval between two people, moments or spaces. This idea of distance giving meaning to closeness, privacy and connection became a guiding principle for Studio Segno, expressed through the phrase, “Close enough to feel. Far enough to remain.”

Conceived for an Italian-Japanese couple, MAAI brings together Japanese precision, restraint and sensitivity to silence with Italian warmth, craftsmanship and conviviality. Rather than treating these influences as decorative references, Studio Segno has translated them into a lifestyle centred on family, ritual, privacy, culture and time spent together.

The exterior combines a sleek, sporty profile with substantial interior volume. Its layered deck composition draws inspiration from Japanese pavilion architecture, while the uppermost superstructure takes the katana as a reference for a precise architectural gesture. Large openings throughout frame views of the sea, maintaining a visual connection with the light and horizon.

The yacht’s layout follows the rhythm of a day on board. The forward areas are quieter and more private, creating spaces for contemplation and time together. Moving aft, the atmosphere becomes increasingly social, culminating in an unconventional main dining area positioned on the lower aft deck where a beach club might traditionally sit.

Opening on three sides directly towards the water, the dining space becomes the social heart of MAAI. Designed for long meals, family gatherings, music and conversation, it is connected to lounge areas for sake, Japanese whisky and vinyl listening, allowing activities to flow naturally around the dining experience.

Private spaces continue the balance, with the owner’s suite occupying a secluded forward position and a full-beam VIP cabin offering a comparable level of comfort. A dedicated upper-deck wellness area further supports the emphasis on routine, movement and longevity.

Through this sequence, Studio Segno presents MAAI as a continuous journey between solitude and togetherness, Japanese restraint and Italian conviviality, and the quiet beginning of sunrise and openness of sunset.