Lot 10
50 Jalan Sultan Ismail
Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: 11am-9pm
Lower ground floor to third floor
Website: www.thejapanstore.mistore.jp
Tel: (03) 2141 7777

Launched on Oct 27 at the 25-year-old Lot 10 shopping complex, Isetan’s The Japan Store heralds a new concept that is said to be the “first in the world speciality store that unveils authentic Japanese lifestyle and aesthetics”. The 11,000 sq m space spans five levels from the lower ground to the third floor. Each level has a theme with “floor topics” for a culturally delightful shopping experience. Designed by architect Paul Noritaka Tange of Tange Associates, in collaboration with interior designer Yasumichi Morita, president and representative director of Glamorous Co Ltd, the store gives an immersive experience designed by heavyweights in their respective practices and, prior to this landmark project, also managed the refurbishment of Isetan Shinjuku, the flagship store of Isetan Mitsukoshi. 

Exuding a Zen-like sensibility, the ambience of The Japan Store in Kuala Lumpur transports visitors to another realm, away from the chaotic streets of Bukit Bintang into a well-ordered and calm space. Each floor structure takes guests through a Japanese circuit-style garden, connected by diverse pavilions, to create a soothing ambience and at the same time showcase distinct concepts, elements and merchandise. 

The Museum

Divided into different floors with names like The Cube and The Market, visitors to The Japan Store begin on the ground level where The Museum awaits. An expression of Japan’s innovative diversity, The Museum features sections that include Technology, Wa-Curation, Fashion and Enchant Thé Japon. Exquisite finds such as snow pots by Koichi Uchida, ceramic vases by Fujimoto Akira, lacquer bowls by Akito Akagi, blue and white porcelain teapots by Fukagawa-Seiji, sake shot glass work by Horiguchi Kiriko and cast teapots by Enchant Thé Japon are available at The Museum. A stunning installation evoking Japan's four seasons, produced in collaboration with Japanese architect Tsuyoshi Tane and Chiso, a Kyoto-based master of traditional yuzen resist paste dying techniques, is displayed in the Aesthetic Sense Index section.

The Room

Promoting a philosophical approach to life, The Room offers an eclectic collection of products to foster a calm life. The For Tomorrow section offers household goods such as plush towels by Touch by Uchino and bathroom essentials. Discover the sleep consultation room, helping nocturnal beings achieve the best beauty sleep. Tokyo Nishikawa, a sleeping master brand with 450 years of expertise in innovating sleep quality, offers a variety of bedding from mattresses to pillows as well as lectures by sleep advisers for a healthier life. Also available is the ultimate mattress, AiR — a Tokyo Nishikawa invention favoured by Olympians — as well as made-to-order personalised pillows. Tokyo and New York-based plant artist Satoshi Kawamoto displayed his “green fingers” with a specially created living installation at a pop-up section on level two which ended on Nov 23. A range of native Malaysian plants was used based on the theme engawa, the veranda-like connection between outdoors and indoors of a traditional Japanese house. 

With an ever-evolving array of art, merchandise and experiences, escape to this little outpost of Japan in the very heart of Kuala Lumpur whenever you need a touch of Zen.