If you've ever been to Japan, you have statistically seen a Muji store. They're everywhere. If you have any sense, you would have been in to a Muji also and thought "wow.... I died and went to minimalist heaven". With soft white lighting, tranquil music and a pleasing aroma wafting through out, Muji provides a much needed break from the sensory overload of Japanese city streets.

Muji's full name, "Mujirushi Ryohin" sort of translates to "no brand - good quality". I love it. Along with its emphasis on minimalism, Muji is dedicated to reducing, reusing and recycling where ever possible in its products and packaging. It goes directly aganst the prevailing culture of brand and image over substance. You can buy a bed, organic denim jeans, a note book, a bike, and a jar of pasta sauce (plus over 7,000 of other things) without a brand name in sight - and they are all REALLY GOOD! The other benefit of shopping "no brand" is the products range from really cheap to pretty cheap - but they are REALLY GOOD!

If you're going to / live in Japan, I recommend the cornchips and pasta sauce (not together). Best in Japan.

Muji is gradually spreading, with a few stores spattered through Europe, Asia and New York. Australia is sadly Muji-less so we can only get a taste of Muji online...

via Muji

- Matt