Sleeper - Issue 90

Page 95

LOCATION REPORT

Muji Hotel GINZA Muji’s first outpost in Japan immerses guests in the world of the cult homewares brand, where simplicity and functionality reign supreme. Words: Mandi Keighran Photography: © Nacasa & Partners

apanese homewares brand Muji has

J

The 79-room hotel – the third of its kind to

developed a cult following for its

open following one in Shenzhen and another in

minimalist, no-frills approach to design

Beijing – is located on levels six to ten above

– whether it’s toasters, sofas, clothing,

the brand’s flagship store, the largest Muji retail

stationary or storage systems. In the world of

space in the world, with a sprawling food court

Muji, everything has a purpose and a place. It’s

and floors dedicated to homewares, furniture,

no surprise that for many, this approach has

books and fashion.

become something of a philosophy to live by,

The sixth floor is the hotel’s entry point. Here,

sitting neatly beside Marie Kondo’s message

visitors discover not only standard amenities

to strip back the material objects in our lives.

such as a reception, restaurant and bar, but also

When the flagship store in Yūrakuchō had to

more unusual spaces, including Muji Market – a

be demolished to make way for the Tokyo

room with vending machines selling practical

Olympics, the decision was made to create an

Muji products, from underwear to ready meals

even more immersive Muji experience in the

– a library, and the Atelier Muji gallery, which

Ginza district – one that includes a hotel.

hosts rotating exhibitions that aim to provide

“The concept is anti-gorgeous, anti-cheap,”

insight into our future lifestyles.

says Eriko Kojima, PR Manager at UDS, the

In contrast to the accommodation floors,

firm responsible for both the interior design

which are sleekly minimal, public spaces feature

and hotel operations. “This is the same concept

rich layers of texture. A rammed earth wall in

behind Muji products – not so gorgeous, not

front of the restaurant, created using soil from

so cheap. Usually staying at a hotel is a special

the former Muji flagship site in Yūrakuchō, pays

experience, but we want people to feel that

homage to the brand’s history, while the surface

staying here is an extension of their daily life.”

behind reception is crafted using paving stones

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