Where to go to bring a bit of Japan to your home

The Japanese are masters of design and architecture, transforming ordinary spaces into poetic expressions through simplicity and harmony. In Japanese-inspired homes, minimalist design meets maximalist comfort, blending functionality with aesthetic pleasure.

In the Philippines, the adaptation of Japanese architecture and lifestyle trends became more prominent in the early 2010s. Minimalist designs, efficient use of space, and the incorporation of nature resonated well with modern Filipino tastes, especially in cities. There are now more Japanese-inspired homes and commercial spaces, reflecting a growing desire for environments that promote tranquility and efficiency.

Anyone who wishes to bring this same aesthetic into their own homes needs to start simple and small. Thankfully, this has become possible for many Filipinos. Here are a few places to check out so you can bring a semblance of Japan’s aesthetic into your home.

Muji

Founded in 1980 in Japan, Mujirushi Ryohin or Muji in Japanese means “no-brand quality goods.” Its products are distinguished by their minimalist designs. Among its products—from apparel, skincare, health, and beauty to stationery products—Muji prides itself the most for its functional houseware and furniture “that can seamlessly blend with any interior to create natural and calming spaces.”

Consider storage that keeps your things looking clean and organized, like the wide and slim stacking shelves made from either oak or walnut. The stacking shelves can also be purchased with up to five rows for maximal storage, perfect for those looking for extra storage space with style.

Daiso

Founded in 1972 by Hirotake Yano in Hiroshima, Daiso has since become Japan’s No. 1 livingware retail store, with over 6,000 branches located in 27 countries. In 2009, Daiso Industries appointed Robinsons Retail as its official franchisee in the Philippines.

Today, it has over 90 stores in the country. Daiso is known by many for its wide variety of products priced locally, starting at P88. Its inexpensive catalog makes Daiso the most accessible for those wanting Japanese-styled items in their homes. For example, the Daiso embossed mugs, which come in either blue or brown, complement the Daiso cocotte bowls, creating a hearty Japanese rural vibe right on your dining table.

Nitori

Another prominent Japanese store is Nitori, Japan’s largest furniture and home furnishing chain. Since launching its first store in 1967, Nitori has shown its dedication to fulfilling its mission of providing foundations of “prosperous home living to the global community.”

In April 2024, it launched its first store in the country at the Mitsukoshi Mall in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. It is expected to have 50 stores in the country by 2032. Consumers can expect to finally get their hands on signature Nitori sofas, like the classic three-seater Wall3-KD Leather sofa or the corner wall KD LC Leather-C1 GY sofa, which adds a homely modern living room aesthetic not too unfamiliar for a lot of Filipino homes.

Japan Home Center

Japan Home Center traces its humble beginnings in an old warehouse in Quezon City, where, in December 2004, it opened its first branch. The retail store grew steadily to become the most successful, not to mention the first and only, Japanese discount store in the Philippines.

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In 2019, it signed an exclusive agreement with Japanese brand Sanrio to develop exclusive merchandise. This makes the store perfect for those looking for home items with a tad bit of Japanese pop culture in them.

Fully Booked Kinokuniya

Kinokuniya, one of Japan’s largest bookstore chains, started offering Japanese books in Manila in November 2022 following a partnership with the country’s own leading bookstore chain, Fully Booked, in its branch at the Mitsukoshi Mall in BGC.

The store offers an extensive selection of Japanese manga and books, allotting around half of the store’s retail space for it. Homeowners looking into stocking their bookcases and shelves with the penultimate form of Japanese culture are assured to find only the best books in Fully Booked Kinokuniya branches in Metro Manila. –CHRISTIAN JECKO SANJORJO

Sources: Inquirer Archives, mujiph.com, robinsonsretailholdings.com.ph, Daiso Japan PH Shopee, daisous.com, nitori.com.ph, nitori.my, pna.gov.ph, japanhome.com.ph