The wait is over, and the much anticipated opening of the Tadao Ando-designed Omotesando Hills shopping complex -- a sort of follow-up, in spirit and intent, to real-estate developper Minoru Mori's Roppongi Hills -- finally happened earlier this month, and a few weeks later, the huge crowds that showed up on opening day have yet to thin out. If you've been to Roppongi Hills, you'll know exactly what to expect: high-priced stores (even the Delphonics stationery store on the premises has gone upscale), long queues at the cafes and restaurants, and everything enveloped in an aura of theme park musicality (background music) and lighting. Although it does still come off as a mall, it's well worth a visit for the scale alone, and design-aficionados will find things of interest in the Idea Frames shop, the Taschen bookstore (until May only), the various galleries, and of course, the building itself.

+ Omotesando Hills

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The latest addition to Tokyo's recent string of successful partnering of renowned architects and luxury brands arrives in the shape of the Mikimoto Ginza 2 store, designed by Toyo Ito (Tod's Omotesando). The pink building offers up some irregularly shaped (and placed) windows, which certainly stands out (but in a good way). Oh, and you might actually be interested by the jewelry on sale within.

+ Mikimoto

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Even though Christmas isn't really celebrated in Japan, it hasn't stopped retailers from pushing the holiday as something to be thankful for, and of course, to help encourage sales. The once great utilitarian Muji, more and more expanding into pretty much anything a human being would need (including a home), has now joined in the fun with its own special Xmas campaign that includes not only gifts ideas from the regular array of Muji goods, but also a new series of products that have been inspired from countries around the world and then reproduced/repackaged under the Muji brand. It's certainly a nice collection, from toys made of tin and wood to Teddy Bear cushions and even a limited-edition black version of the their famous Naoto Fukasawa-designed Wall-Mounted CD Player (and it even comes with a Muji-compiled Christmas CD). Try to get your hands on the beautiful catalogue also, which is published in four languages (Japanese, English, French, and Chinese).

LINK: Muji Xmas
LINK: Muji

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A new TRICO-produced design/furniture store has opened in the CODAN Shinonome waterfront housing development area. It joins other TRICO stores in Harajuku (Stock by TRICO) and in Fukuoka (By TRICO)

LINK: TRICO
LINK: CODAN Shinonome

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Graniph has long been the place to go for cool design-friendly tees in Tokyo, and the fact that they sell for so little -- 1 t-shirt for 2500 yen, two for 4000 yen -- has nothing to do with it (but it doesn't hurt). Their collections are constantly being updated, with classics (like the Helvetica tee pictured here) still available. Have a look at their site for info on the many shops they have throughout the city (not included in the list is a recently opened shop in Ikebukuro's Parco). They also take orders through their site, but the service is only available within Japan.

LINK: Graniph

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As far as interior design shops go, hhstyle.com knows a thing or two about creating some rather attractive retail spaces (see their Harajuku flagship store), and now comes hhstyle.com/casa, designed by Tadao Ando. Expect the type of selection you usually find at an hhstyle.com store (see their online store to get an idea) in a creative new setting.

LINK: hhstyle.com/casa
LINK: hhstyle.com Online Store

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Certainly one of the must-see spots on any design-lovers tour of the city, the Design Gallery on the 7th floor of the Matsuya department store in Ginza is always a sure way to catch some of the latest trends in Japanese design. Adjacent to it is the Design Collection shopping area, featuring an attractive assortment of designer goods, with a strong focus on Good Design award winners.

LINK: Matsuya Ginza
LINK: Good Design Award

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The Kazuhiko Namba designed Muji+Infill "Ki no Ie" house is now available for purchase. Head to the flagship Muji store in Yurakucho to have a look at it, inside and out. One step closer to having a Muji-only sustained life.

LINK: Muji
LINK: Muji+Infill
LINK: Muji Yurakucho

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The Plusminuszero site now features some new pictures of their recently opened Aoyama shop (see previous post), including a nice look at the in-store cafe. You'll also find some Plusminuszero branded chocolates.

LINK: Plusminuszero
LINK: Plusminuszero Aoyama

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Although still under construction, if you walk along Omotesando you'll notice what is to become the new flagship store for the Tod's brand in Japan. Designed by architect Toyo Ito, it certainly looks very nice. Original plans call for completion before the end of the year.

LINK: Tod's
LINK: Toyo Ito

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Takara's Plusminuszero designer goods brand has just opened a new showcase shop in Aoyama.

LINK: Plusminuszero
LINK: Plusminuszero Aoyama
LINK: MoCo Tokyo post on the Plusminuszero brand

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Do not let the dreadful website keep you away. The Kouchi Market stall in the middle of the very famous Tsukiji fish market definitely stands out. Designed by the architects Ako Nagao and Yuko Onari, this small shop selling items from the Kouchi area has taken a very modern and practical route when it comes to presenting its sale items. A mix of the traditional (low stands) with a touch of modern design, in both the material and curved white decor.

ARCHITECTS: Ako Nagao and Yuko Onari
LINK: Kouchi Market

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Cibone describes itself as "the life editorial store providing superior design," and that's pretty much what you get when you visit their shop in Aoyama (they also have shops in Kunitachi and Jiyugaoka). A beautiful selection of furniture and accessories, tastefully setup so as to make you feel like you're life is simply incomplete without these beautiful objects adorning your home. They also feature a nice selection of books and CDs.

LINK: Cibone

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