Press Area

The Shop at Japan House blurs the boundaries between shop and gallery, adding learning and appreciation to the retail experience. It introduces Japanese products: their provenance and the artisans and designers who make them. From crafts rooted in Japanese traditions and one-of-a-kind pieces by artists, to products reflecting cutting-edge technology or the design trends of the time, Japan House presents the pleasure and beauty of functional everyday Japanese products.

Upon entering Japan House guests dive into a cultural retail experience that encompasses the entire ground floor. At the core of the curation is the highly regarded monozukuri philosophy. Literally meaning the art of making things, this pursuit is rooted in Japan’s history; a commitment to produce excellent products and constantly improve the system of production – from one-of-a-kind handmade crafts through to large-scale manufacturing.

The Shop presents a carefully edited inventory of Japanese products ranging from crafts and design goods through to cutting-edge technology, including high-quality stationery such as washi, Japanese paper; kitchen and tableware made by skilled Japanese artisans; accessories; bathware and beauty products; architecture-related goods to complement the opening exhibition; and a book collection curated by BACH. Each product has a story to tell, introducing the culture of Japan, and what makes it such a captivating nation

Interior design by Katayama Masamichi, Principal of Wonderwall. 

A tokonoma for London
Japan House London appointed Katayama Masamichi, Principal of Wonderwall and prominent Japanese interior designer, to create a space that would embody the aesthetic and notional concepts that Japan House is based on.

Katayama's spatial concept is based on the tokonoma, an empty, raised alcove in a Japanese home where guests can admire displays of art such as a hanging scroll
(kakemono) or seasonal flowers (ikebana). The centre of attention is not the design, but rather what occurs in that space. Katayama's intention is for Japan House to be a tokonoma in London for the authentic presentation of Japanese aesthetics. His meticulous design for The Shop at Japan House is a conscious reflection of the emptiness of the tokonoma, which allows the space to become a focal point for the diverse range of products and events it presents.

The Shop at Japan House is curated according to the categories listed below:

Monozukuri
From crafts rooted in Japanese traditions and one-of-a-kind pieces by artists, to products reflecting cutting-edge technology or the design trends of the time, the Japanese passion for monozukuri, meaning craftsmanship, has continued to evolve with the times. Japan House would like to share with you the pleasure and beauty of functional everyday Japanese products.

Food, drink, kitchen and tableware
Introducing authentic Japanese food culture, including food, drink, kitchen utensils and tableware according to the seasons. From across Japan, a variety of dishes, plates, bowls and utensils made by prominent artisans have been selected. Get to know how people in Japan cook, use kitchenware, and eat, so you too can incorporate them into your lives. You can also find a fine selection of Japanese sweets.

Stationery and washi (Japanese paper)
The Shop range includes high-quality stationery such as pens and notepads; painting supplies and materials in Japanese colours makers and artists. There is also have washi, Japanese paper, in various sizes, for drawing, wrapping or writing.

Fashion and accessories
Along with accessories designed and made by contemporary makers, you will find clothes and textiles made using traditional methods, yet updated to fit with modern lives.

Healthy living
You can bring the scent and feel of Japan to your bathroom with quality towels and organic soaps from the shop at Japan House London. Japanese fragrances including incense and cosmetics are also available.

Books
Japan House London has a full range of books, on architecture, food, literature, travel, fashion, monozukuri, and more; selected by Haba Yoshitaka, President and Founder of BACH, a book specialist in Japan who is revolutionizing the way books are displayed and curated. For those after something extra special, valuable vintage books are available. You also have the opportunity to attend book launches and meet-the-author events at Japan House London.

Exhibition-related items
Japan House presents an ongoing programme of exhibitions, and for each one Japan was searched to bring to London a selection of books and products that help to further explore and enjoy the exhibition themes.

Travel zone
The ground floor has a travel information area staffed by the Japan National Tourism Organization, offering free travel advice, maps and literature.

About Japan House London
Japan House London is the new cultural centre offering visitors an experience of the best and latest from Japan. Located on London’s Kensington High Street, the experience is an authentic encounter with Japan, engaging and surprising even the most knowledgeable guests. Presenting the very best of Japanese art, design, gastronomy, innovation, and technology, it deepens our appreciation of all that Japan has to offer. Part of a global initiative led by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, there are two other Japan Houses in Los Angeles and São Paulo.

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For more information or images please contact:

Hollie Mantle, PR Manager [email protected]. 

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