Japan is known for its innovation in retail stores, particularly personalisation and technology.

However, technology was not a focus for stores this month, with brands instead looking at storytelling, art and collaborations.

Brands with longevity recognise that their own history and heritage can often be a source of compelling stories for customers, especially if these stories are coupled with archive items and gallery displays.

Stores are also helping customers to become more involved in the design and creation process, with customisation areas now a popular feature in fashion brands, while others will include workstations and allow craftsmanship to become visible.

From second-hand bookstores to limited edition bicycles, here is the best new retail you can find in Japan in May.

Image credit – Muji

Muji, Nara

Homeware brand Muji launched its largest global store at the Aeon Mall in Kashihara.

The store has been zoned into different product areas, enabling the brand to introduce some new items to the range already on offer (food, furniture and fashion).

This includes a ReMuji section for recycled, reused and repaired second-hand items which have been refreshed by Muji staff. This area includes used books, clothing and furniture. Another feature within this store is the brand’s first “book café”; a bookstore with approximately 100,000 titles, alongside a café offering traditional Japanese fare with locally sourced ingredients.

Muji also hopes the space will function as a community hub and has designed Open Muji for people to gather. Open Muji has a collection of children’s books and a play area that are both free to use, alongside seating and hot drinks for adults.

Image credit – Dalziel & Pow

Victorinox, Tokyo/Fukuoka

Knife and watchmaker Victorinox relaunched not one but two stores in Japan this month.

The stores in Ginza and Fukuoka have been revamped with a new design concept from Dalziel & Pow. The design of the store takes its inspiration from the brand’s iconic Swiss Army Knife, with the exterior resembling parts of the tool.

Inside, customers are able to find out more about the knives and their history throughout a range of interactive displays. This allows shoppers to engage with the products and choose their personal knife. For more personalisation and bespoke items, visitors can visit a table that resembles a workshop, and create their own knife.

Image credit – Kith

Kith, Osaka

A new flagship has been launched from clothing brand Kith.

The elegantly designed store has sleek Venetian and stone flooring and walls, with a central room running throughout containing Kith’s footwear collections. There is also a Kith Kids, which is designed to look colourful and engaging, and this colour can also be found in the seating at the Kith Treats store. Kith Treats will offer an exclusive ice cream inspired by Osaka.

To celebrate the store opening, Kith created a new range of hoodies, t-shirts and jumpers exclusive to the Osaka location, and inspired by Japanese culture. Additionally, it has partnered with a number of brands on exclusive and limited edition collections. These include New Balance trainers Made in USA 992 and Made in UK 991v2, New Era caps for the Orix Buffaloes and Hanshin Tigers, and Kaikado tea canisters.

Brompton, Tokyo

Jingumae was the location for the new flagship store from British bicycle brand Brompton.

The store has been designed with pale wood fixtures and pale grey seating by the Suppose Design Office. The bikes are displayed on wooden shelves and stands similar to a gallery, to allow customers to compare the different Brompton models.

The opening of the store was celebrated with a collaboration with Japanese artist Ryu Okubo, who provided a piece of artwork for the store as well as a limited edition Brompton bicycle. The store will also hold a variety of bike rides with the community.

Image credit – Tiffany & Co

Tiffany & Co, Tokyo

Ginza also saw the arrival of the new store from jewellery brand Tiffany.

The new store reflects the latest design concept from Tiffany, with the façade covered in iconic Tiffany blue fading to white. The brand sees the new store as connected with Japanese culture and becoming a landmark.

The brand will display art installations inside the new store, alongside curated archives from the Tiffany collection, helping to celebrate the brand’s heritage. Customers will also be able to purchase the most popular Tiffany collections, including HardWear and Lock. Finally, this space will feature a Blue Box Café, the first of its kind in Japan.

Levi’s, Nagoya

Denim brand Levi’s launched its latest store at Nagoya Zero Gate.

The brand design features denim blue colouring across the walls, ceiling and seating area. The store will be the first in the Tokai area to feature the Tailor Shop to allow customers to access customisation and personalisation for their Levi’s products. These include services to repair and refresh denim with new fabrics, and embellishments, such as pins, patches and embroidery.

The store will also feature Levi’s full range of items, including vintage Levi’s and the Blue Tab collection. Additionally, the brand has partnered with a number of local businesses to create limited edition Nagoya patches. Collaborations include Bon Bon Café, Misen Taiwan Ramen and Spaghetti House Yokoi.